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GUIDE TO 

NANTUCKET 




BY 



J. H. ROBINSON 

of Nantucket 
Member of The Nantucket Historical Association 



THIRD EDITION 



Copyright, 1918, by J. H. Robinson 







CONTENTS 



DESCRIPTIVE INDEX 

to 

ALL POINTS OF INTEREST 



Roads, Drives, Lighthouses, Lightships, etc., 
are shown upon the 

MAPS 

of the Island and County of Nantucket, 

Town of Nantucket, Village of Siasconset, 

end the Steamboat Route. 



LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF 

Nantucket Island 

Town of Nantucket 

History of Nantucket 

Nantucket Whale Fishery 

and 

All Points ai' Interest 

for w.hiJbh' 

Consult Index on opposite page. 

Note. — All distances are in statute, or land, miles. 

©CI.A497962 



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DESCRIPTIVE INDEX 
to POINTS of INTEREST 



Page 
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, First exhibition held in 1856. Fair- 
ground south end of Orange Street, just beyond where State 

Road turns off for 'Seonset. See Cattle Show 11 

ATHENEUM, Publie Library 29 

ATHLETIC CLUB. Organized in 19C3. See Brant Point 32 

BANKS, Pacific National at the head of Main Street Square; Nan- 
tucket Institution for Savings, Tvlain Street Square. 
BATHING, Cliff Bathing Beach, page 39; 'Seonset, page 45; Wau- 
winet, page 52; Quidnet, page 51; Tom Never 's Head, page 
49; Warm Salt Water Baths, bathhouse near steamboat wharf, 
and 'Seonset. 

Beacon Hill. See North Vcstrv 34 

BELL. See Tower 35 

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SPRING. See Maddaket 55 

BOAT HOUSES of the Massasehusetts Humane Society, equipped 
with all the apparatus necessary to render assistance in case 
of shipwreck, are located at Tuckernuck, Head of Hummock 
Pond, Forked Pond, '.Seonset and Quidnet. See Road Map. 
BOATS, Sailboats, with or without skippers, are for hire at Steam- 
boat or Old Nortli wharves for FISHING and SAILING par- 
ties; CLAMBAKES can also be arranged for. 
Rowboats can be hired at Old North wharf for ROWING, 
fishing in the Harbor, or CRABBING in The Creeks netir 
Monomoy. 

Books p'laLing to Nantucket 57 

BRANT POINT 31 

"CAMELS" 23 

Cable. 18 

Camping. See Quidnet 51 

CAPTAINS' ROOM. See Rotch Warehouse 40 

CASINO. See 'Seonset 48 

Cattle Show. See Agricultural Society. 

CEMETERIES 55 

CHURCHES: First CONGREGATIONAL, see North Vestry, page 34. 
UNITARIAN, page 35. METHODIST, Centre Street near 
Main, erected 1823, pillars in front added in 1840, first Metho- 
dist church built in 1799, S. W. corner Fair and Lynns Streets. 
EPISCOPAL, "St. Paul's," Fair Strest, erected 1901, pre- 
sented to the parish by Miss C. L. W. French, or Boston, as a 
memorial to her father; the first Episcopal church '"Trinity" 
was erected in 1839, on north side of Broad Street, near the 
corner of Centre ; it was burned in the great fire of 1846. FIRST 
BAPTIST, Summer Street, society formed 1839, building 
erected 1840, tower and vestry added in 1841. CATHOLIC, 
"St. Marv's," Federal Street, erected 1896, services first held 
in Town Hall in 1849 and later in Pantheon Hall. In 1858 
Harmony Hall was secured and used until it was removed to 
mak( room for the present structure. Churches are indicated 
upon Map of the Town of Nantucket. 

CLIFF NORTH SHORE 41 

BaiJiing Beach 39 

Cli >ek. See Tower 35 

COASTGUARD STATIONS. See L^tesaving Stations. 
COATUE, The nairow strip of land, opposite Brant Point, which 
separates the Harbor from the Sound and from which the 
EASTERN JETTY is built out to deepen the entrance to thu 
Harbor. 

3 



DESCRIPTIVE INDEX TO POINTS OF INTEREST 

Page 

Coffin House ^ 28 

Coffin, "Miriam." Sec "Miriam Coffin's County Seat." 

COFFIN SCHOOL 37 

CONSUE SPRING, See Springs. 

COSKATA, that part of the island immediately north of the Head 
of the Harbor where THE COSKATA LIFESAVING STA- 
TION, erected 1883, is located. See Great Point, page 53. 
See Lifesaving Stations. See Cliflf — North Shore. 
Crabbing. See Boats. 

Cranberry Bogs. .See 'Sconset, page 45; Maddaket, page 54. The 
Gibbs Pond cranberry bog is the LARGEST SINGLE, 
CULTIVATED, CRANBERRY BOG IN THE WORLD. 

DRIVING 9 

EAT FIRE SPRING, Fountain abotit three-fourths of a mile beyond 
Polpis, on the road to Wauwinet, is supplied with water from 
Eat Fire Spring, which is located several hundred feet north. 
See Road Map. 
Express Office, Main Street Square. 
FAIR, FAIRGROUND. See Agricultural Society. 
First, Church, House, Schoolhouse, Townhouse, Jail and Road, page 
16; Water Works, page 43; Maddaket, page 54. 

Lighthouse. See Brant Point 31 

Magistrate 16 

Purchasers 14 

Settlers 15 

Steamboat 19 

Town. See Water Works 44 

FISHING. See Boats. Quidnet, page 51. Good perch fishing is 
found in most of the larger ponds. 

FRANKLIN SPRING. See Maddaket. 54 

Friends' Meetinghouse. See Historical Association 25 

" Burving Ground. See Cemeteries 55 

GEOLOGY. Morain of the glacier 10 

GOLF. See Cliff— North Shore, page 42; and 'Sconset 45 

Great Fire 18 

Great Neck, that part ot the island between Long Pond and Hither 
Creek. .See Road Map. 

GREAT POINT Lighthouse, page 53. See Cliff— North Shore 41 

Gulf Stream. See Chff Bathing Beach, page 39, also 21. 

Gut Bridge. .See Maddaket 54 

"HAUL-OVER." See Wauwinet 52 

HIGHEST POINT on the island. See 'Sconset, 48 

" " on the coast line. See Sankaty Head 50 

on the North Shore. See The Cliff 41 

HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION 25 

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET .' 13 

"Horseshoe House." See the Oldest House on the Island 28 

HOTELS. See back part of guide. 

House of Correction 41 

Humane Society. See Boathouses. 

INDLANS ; 14 

"Inquirer and Mirror." See Newspaper. 

JAIL and House of Correction 41 

Jethro Coffin House. See Oldest House on the Island 28 

Jetties. See Cliff Bathing Beach, page 39; and Coatue. 

LIBRARY 29 

LIFESAVING STATIONS. All stations are known as Coast Guard 
Stations and designated bv number. See Surfside, No. 
46; Maddaket, No. 47; Coskata, No. 45; and Muskeget, No. 
48. During the months of June and July stations are in charge 
of the keeper only ; they are fully manned all the other months of 
the year. The REGULAR DRILLS, giyen by the station 
crews, are most interesting. All are connected by telephone. 



DESCRIPTIVE INDEX TO POINTS OF INTEREST 

Page 

LIGHTHOUSES. See Sankaty Head, page 50; Great Point, page 53 ; 

Brant Point, page 3 1 ; Cliff Bathing Beach 39 

Lightships. See maps. See 'Sconset. page 48; Quid.net, page 51; 

Wauwinet, page 53 ; Great Point 53 

"LISBON BELL." See Tower 35 

Low Beach. See 'Sconset 48 

MADDAKET 54 

MAP of the Island of Nantucket. See folder. 
" " " Town of Nantucket. See folder. 

" " " Village of Siasconset. . 46 

" " " Steamboat Route — - lights and lightships. Sec folder. 

MARIA MITCHELL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION 30 

Massachusetts Humane Society. See Boathouses. 

Massasoit Bridge. See Maddaket 54 

MEETINGHOUSE, Friend.s'. See Historical Association 25 

Milestones. See 'Sconset. 

MILL 27 

"Mill Hills." See Mill. 

"Miriam Coffin's County Seat," at Quaise, that part of the island 
reserved by Thomas Mayhew. See History, page 14. also books 
relating to Nantucket. "Miriam" Cofhn, born 1723, died 
1790, was a large shipowner and smuggler; her house at Quaise 
had many concealed closets and passageways where goods were 
stored; she was eventually arrested and stood trial. The pres- 
ent farmhouse is located on the same site, and has in it much of 
the timber of the old Coffin house. Marker by roadside. See 
Polpis 54 

MitcheU, Maria. See Maria Mitchell Association 30 

MONOMOY. Just across the Harbor from Nantucket, about 1 mile 
from Steamboat wharf, and 2 MILES by road. See Polpis, 
page 54, and Road Map. 

MONUMENT, Soldiers' and Sailors' 31 

" Site of oldest burial ground. See Cemeteries 56 

" Site of first house. See index, under First, etc. 

MUSEUM. See Historical Association 25 

MUSKEGET, Island of. The Muskeget Lifesaving Station stands on 
the north beach, illustration, page 43. Boat house at the 
east end. The station was established in 1883, destroyed by 
fire in 1889, temporarily located on the North Head, Tucker- 
nuck. Present station was built in 1896. Tlie eastern por- 
tion of the island is owned by private parties, the remainder 
being set apart as a public park. ELEVEN AND THREE- 
FOURTHS MILES from Brant Point. See Lifesaving Stations, 
also Cliff— North Shore 41 

NANTUCKET, Island of. Location, description, etc 8 

" Town of. Location, description, etc 11 

" Histors' of. Discovery, settlement, etc 13 

" Whale'Fishery 20 

" Indians 14 

" Maps of. Island and Town. See toldci'. 

" Historical Association 25 

Athletic Club. Organized, 1903. See Brant Point. . . 32 

NANTUCKET, How reached. See Town of Nantucket, page 11; 
" and Steamboat Route Map. 

Town Meeting 11 

" Books relating to 57 

Golf Club 42 

" Cottage Hospital 12 

Naval Battle 49 

Newspaper, "Inquirer and Mirror." Office, Orange Street, near Main. 



DESCRIPTIVE INDEX TO POINTS OF INTEREST 

Page 
"Newtown Gate." In the earlier days when thousands of sheep 
roamed the pasture?, this gate stood across the south end of 
Orange Street, near the first milestone; just beyond the Asy- 
lum. The toll was one cent. Discontinued in 1821. 

"North Church" "North Tower" 34 

North Shore 41 

NORTH VESTRY 34 

Noted People: Lucretia Mott, noted philanthropist, born 1793, cor- 
ner Fair and School vStreets. 
Abiah Folger, mother of Benjamin Franklin. See 

Maddaket 55 

William Mitchell, noted astronomer; father of Maria 
Mitchell. 

Maria Mitchell 30 

Hon. Charles J. Folger, Secretary of the Treasury. 

OBSERVATORY ; . . . 30 

Ocean Steamship. See 'Sconset 48 

Old Buildings. See MILL, Jail, House of Correction, NORTH 
VESTRY, OLDEST HOUSE, Meetinghouse, ROTCH WARE- 
HOUSE, BIRTHPLACE MARIA MITCHELL, Atheneum, 
Coiifin School, PADDOCK HOUSE, page 28. Pacific Bank, 
page 18. GARDNER HOUSE, 'Sconset, page 47. See 
Churches and Lighthouses. JOSIAH COFFIN HOUSE 
stands southwest corner ClifT Road and Norch Liberty vStreet, 
erected 1724. 

OLDEST HOUSE ON THE ISLAND 28 

" Burying Ground. See Cemeteries, page 55. Warer Works 43 

Opening. See Wauwinet 53 

PACIFIC CLUB. See Rotch Warehouse 40 

Paper. See Newspaper. 

POLPIS 54 

Population. See Town of Nantucket 11 

Post Office — Main Street Sauare, corner of Union .Street. 

PUBLIC LIBRARY— Atheneum 29 

Pumping Station. Water Works 43 

QUAISE. See "Mariam Coflfin's County Seat." 

Quaker Meetinghouse. See Hisiorical Association 25 

QUIDNET 51 

RANGE LIGHTS. See Brant Point 32 

REFORESTATION 10 

Road Ma]). See tolder. 

ROTCH WAREHOUSE 40 

Rowing. See Boats. 

SACACHA POND. See Quidnet 51 

SACHEM SPRING. Sec Cliff, page 42; and Road Map. 
Sailing. See Boats. 

SANKATY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE 50 

SAUL'S HILLS. .See 'Sconset 48 

Schools: Three in the Town of Nantucket. See Schools, page 18. 
Coffin SchoOi, page 37; Grammar School, Orange Street, upper 
part used as Town Hall. Sec 'Sconset, Polpis and Tuckernuck. 

'SCONSET 45 

vSettkrs, jjage 15. Water Works, page 43. Maddaket 54 

SHAWKEMO SPRING, on the road to Polpis (page 54), about a 
(juartcr of a mile south of the road. See Road Map. 

Sheep Raising, Sheep Common, Shearing 15 

Sherburne. See History of Nantucket 16 

SHORE DINNERS. See Wauwinet, Ouidn.-t, Surfside, and Boats. 

SIASCONSET or 'Sconset 45 

Map of 46 

SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT 31 

South Shore. See Surfside. 

"South Tower" 35 

6 



DESCRIPTIVE INDEX TO POINTS OF INTEREST 

Page 
SPRINGS. See Franklin Spring, Sachem Spring, Shawkcmo Spring, 
Eat Fire Spring, Consue Spring, south end of Union Street. 
See Map of the Town of Nantucket. 

SQUAM HEAD. See Wauvvinet 52 

STANDPIPE. See Water Works. 

State Road, begun in 1894. See 'Sconsct, page 45, and Road Map. 

Steamboats. See Town of Nantucket, and vSteamboat Route Map. 

Sunset Hill. See Oldest House 28 

SURFSIDE; the Surfside Lifesaving Station, built 1874, located on 
th" South vShore; it is a fine walk of THREE AND ONE- 
HALF MILES from the Post- Office. From Main Street take 
Pleasant Street to Atlantic Avenue. vSee Map of Town of Nan- 
tucket and Road Map. Dinners can be arranged for nearby. 
See Lifesaving Stations. 
TELEGRAPH OFFICE, Orange Street, just south of Main Street 
Square. (Also at the Weather Bureau on Orange Street, and 
the Wireless at 'Sconset.) 
Teleohonc Exchange, Fair Street near Main. 

TEMPERATURE. vSee Nantucket Island 8 

Ticket Offii'c, on Steamboat wharf. 

TOM NEVER'S HEAD 49 

TOWER 35 

Town, Asylum. See map Town of Nantucket. 

Building, Washington Street, just south of Main St. Square. 

Clock . See Tower 35 

Hall, Orange Street. 

Meeting 11 

of Nantucket. Description, page 11; map, see folder. 
Trees. Sec Reforestation. 
TUCKERNUCK, Island of. NINE MILES BY BOAT FROM NAN- 
TUCKET, or 3 miles from Warren's Landing at Maddakct. 
This charming little island is a delightful destination for sail- 
ing parties. A number of families live here throughout the 
year and about 20 dwellings are dotted about the island; the 
main settlement is on the north sid?, overlooking the EAST 
POND, and just south of BROOKS'S LANDING. A path 
which passes the SCHOOLHOUSE (formerly an engine house 
on Milk Street, moved to Tuckernuck in 1867) leads to the 
NORTH POND, thence to the NORTH HEAD and back to 
the East pond. A BOATHOUSE of the Massachusetts 
Humane Society stands near the SOUTH POND. In 16.S_9, 
the island was sold by Thomas Mayhew to Tristram Cofifin 
and son, James and Peter Coffin, for the sum of 6 pounds. 

See illustration, page 44. See Cliff — Xortli Shrn-e 41 

UNITARIAN CHURCH. 35 

VESTRY 34 

WALKS, See Surfside. 'Sconset, Wauwinet and Great Point. 

Wannacomet Water Works. See Water Works. 

Warm Baths. Bathhouse near Steamboat wharf, and 'Sconset. 

WATER WORKS 43 

WAUWINET 52 

Wivitlier Bureau. Established 1886, formerly in Rotch Warehouse, 
moved to Orange Street in 1904. Signals ar? displayed to in- 
dicate the approach of storms or high winds. 

WHALE FISHERY 20 

Wir^k'ss Telegraph. See 'Sconset 48 

Wrecks, in the fail of 1902 the writer tramped around the island, 
camping at various points along shore. At that time there 
were 6 huge pieces of wreckage to be seen; in 1909 there were 
8, the largest, practically the entire hull of a large schooner, 
lying on the western side of Muskeget. 



N 



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NANTUCKET is the largest 
of a group of islands 
known as Nantucket 
County, Massachusetts, 
its greatest LENGTH being 15 
miles, east and west, by about 
4 miles in WIDTH, with an 
AREA of about 50 square miles. 
It lies about 100 miles from the 
eastern end of Long Island and 
25 miles SOUTH OF CAPE 
COD, from which it is separated 
by Nantucket Sound, its eastern 
and southern shores being washed 
by the waters of the Atlantic 
Ocean. The NEAREST LAND 
on the east is Portugal, at a dis- 
tance of 3,188 miles, and on the 
south the West Indies, 1,463 
miles. 

Nantucket is one of the most 
delightful summer resorts on the 
Atlantic Coast and its climate 
the most healthful, its location 
precluding all possibility of a land breeze. The tempera- 
ture of the atmosphere is RARELY 85 DEGREES, while that 
of the water is from 70 to 74. Excellent and safe surf BATH- 
ING is found upon the eastern and southern shores; at other 
points on the sound and harbor the finest of still water. 

To those in search of health and recreation the conditions 
are ideal, the broad SANDY BEACHES, covered by an end- 
less variety of seashells, pebbles and finely wrought seaweeds, 
with now and then an old hulk of a vessel tossed up by the 
waves, afford a most comfortable lounging place and attrac- 
tive tramping ground. The pleasure seeker will find all that 
can be desired at the seaside: Motor BOATING, sailing, 
rowing, FISHING, tennis and bicycling, while fine GOLF 
courses, resembling closely the famous courses of Scotland, are 
maintained near the towns of Nantucket and 'Sconset. The 
Nantucket ATHLETIC CLUB and the 'Sconset CASINO con- 
tribute much in the way of amusement. 

A sojourn upon the island has been likened to an ocean voy- 
age with the disagreeable features eliminated. There is AL- 
WAYS A BREEZE and the pure invigorating salt air and 
bright sunshine, with the peace and quiet whicli pervades, are 
most soothing alike to the tired brain-worker and the person 
of nervous temperament. Relief from hayfever is assured 




and MALARIA IS UNKNOWN. That the climate is most 
beneficial for recuperative purposes is the unanimous indorse- 
ment of many prominent members of the medical profession. 

The nature of the country is ideal for HORSEBACK RIDING 
and the sport is most popular. A STATE ROAD connects the 
town of Nantucket with the villaj^e of Siasconset and there are 
PLEASANT DRIVES to all parts of the island, with a never 
ending variety of exquisite marine views or stretches of moor- 
lands covered with wild flowers and overgrown with bayberry 
and huckleberry bushes, wild roses and sweet fern with here 
and there a small pond around which and nestling among the 
many graceful grasses grow the beautiful pink marsh-mallows, 
buttercups and violets. Many of the beauty spots lie hidden 
among the HILLS, away from the main thoroughfares and to 
see which it will be necessary to turn off into the old deep rutted 
roads which form a network over the MOORS or wander 
along the bluffs where an occasional patch of IRISH BROOM 
or SCOTCH HEATHER blooming in all its native l^cauty mav 
be found. ARTISTS and BOTANISTS will find a wealth of 
material in store. 

Although NEVER THICKLY WOODED much of the timber 
used for building purposes in the earlier days was of island 
growth. Today no large trees are found outside of the town, but 




groves of sturdy dwarf pine, 
scrub oaks and cedars are 
scattered here and there 
about the island. Several 
attempts at REFORESTA- 
TION have been made. In 
1847 Josiah Sturgis planted 
the grove of pines to the 
east of the fair grounds. 
Between 1875 and 1877, 
40,000 Scotch larch and 
Scotch pine or fir trees, 
imported from vScotland by 
G. B. Emerson of Winthrop, 
Mass., were set out near 
Miacomet Pond. In 1912 
the setting out of 80,000 
young white pine trees was 
begun under the supervision 
of the State Forester. The 
tract is south of the fair 
grounds and 75 acres in 
extent. Nantucket's fine 
OLD ELMS, one of the 
most attractive features of 
the town, were set out iii 
1851. The BUTTON - 
WOOD on Main Street, 
corner of Ray's Court, is 
the OLDEST TREE on the 
island ; it was planted in 1793. On the east side of Centre Street, 
opposite Quince Street, there stood until 1918 a willow tree, 
from the plot which contained Napoleon's grave on St. Helena. 
It was taken down to avoid accident, being badly decayed. 
Two of the three trees originally planted were blown down. 
The slips were brought to the island in 1842 by Capt. William 
Plaskett, of Nantucket, in the whaleship "Napoleon," whose 
name-board hangs in the "keeping room" at the "Oldest 
House." 

Numerous large boulders on the face of the hills, which 
traverse the northern portion of the island proper and extend 
due east and west, record the MORAIN OF THE GLACIER, 
which, melting at its contact with the Gulf Stream, formed the 
island of Nantucket. Many of them have been broken up and 
used for road building material. Near, and to the wes'fc of, 
Gibbs Pond is one of these large boulders around which an 
iron fence has been placed with the hope of preserving it. 

10 




Centre Street 



^- J 




From the Tower Looking Toward the North Shore 



T h 



Town 



f Nantucket 



This interesting^ and picturesque old town, loeated on a 
beautiful harbor about midway of the island, is charming in 
its quaintness and in the simplicity of the design of its fine old 
buildings, many of them dating back beyond the days when 
Nantucket led the world in the whaling industry. 

On the housetops the queer little "roof- walks," from which 
it was customary to view the surrounding waters and watch 
for the incoming whale ships, are still in evidence, while the 
ivy-grown houses, well kept yards and pretty flower gardens 
attract the eye. Stately shade trees line the walks, arching 
over the streets and winding thoroughfares, many of which are 
modern surfaced while on others the old cobble paving still 
remains, peculiarly adapted to the artistic surroundings and 
preserving the same air of refinement and substantiality for 
wliich the old town is famous. Nantucket is the COUNTY 
SEAT of Nantucket County and has a POPULATION of 3,000 

augmented during the summer 
months by thousands of visitors. 

The island affairs are adminis- 
tered bv a BOARD OF SELECT- 
MEN elected at the annual TOWN 
MEETING held in February, as- 
sisted by a Board of Health, Civic 
League and S. P. C. A. vSociety. 
The annual "CATTLE SHOW" 
and fair is held the latter i)art of 
August and the exhibits are varied 
and interesting. Farm products 
and fine specimens from the tested 
lierds are displayed while horse 
racing and various other sports 
add to the pleasure of the oc- 
casion. 




11 




From the Tower Looking Toward the South Shore 



Dviring the summer, with the exception of one Sunday boat, 
STEAMBOATS arrive from and depart twice daily for Woods 
Hole and New Bedford on the mainland : Woods Hole, BOSTON 
CONNECTION, and New Bedford for Taunton, Fall River 
and Providence, also NEW YORK CONNECTION via Sound 
steamers. New Bedford line from New Bedford, Fall River 
line from Fall River. Communication with the mainland may 
be had by TELEPHONE, also by TELEGRAPH, both cable 
and wireless. All parts of the island can be reached by telephone. 

The HOTELS are first class 
and there are excellent board- 
ing houses, many private houses 
having rooms for rent. There 
is a POSTOFFICE, National 
BANK, Institution for Savings, 
six churches, Town Hall, schools, 
LIBRARY, antique shops and 
moving picture theatres. Band 
concerts are frequently given on 
the "Square." The "Inquirer 
and Mirror," the only news- 
paper published on the island, 
is issued every Friday after- 
noon. Gas, electricity and ice 
are furnished bv local enter- 
prises. The NANTUCKET 
COTTAGE HOSPITAL is open 
to all, while the services of ex- 
cellent physicians and dentists 
are to be had. WATER OF 
THE PUREST QUALITY is 
furnished the town, which has 
an efficient fire department and 
sewerage system and is well sup- 
plied with all necessaries inci- 
dent to the health, convenience 




Quince Street 



and amusement of the summer visitors. 

12 




The South Eeach and ^lonomv 



History of Nantucket 

Nantucket, meaning "at the land far off at sea," was DIS- 
COVERED in 1602 by Bartholomew Gosnold, an English 
mariner, who, in a small bark with 28 companions, sailed from 
Falmouth in April of that year with the intention of establish- 
ing a colony in America. In May they reached the shores of 
New England, near Nahant, in Massachusetts Bay, but not 
being favorably impressed with the surroundings they reim- 
barked and sailed around Cape Cod, so named by them on 
account of the quantity of codfish caught in the neigliboring 
waters, passing close to Nantucket, Marthas Vineyard and the 
Elizabeth islands, from which group they selected Cuttyhunk 
and established a settlement. They remained but a few months 
when they decided, owing to fear of the Indians and lack of 
food supplies for the winter, to return to England, their venture, 
except for the furs and sassafras root which they had accumu- 
lated, ending in failure. 

That Nantucket was in reality discovered many years before 
there is little doubt, for it is reasonable to suppose that the 
shores were visited in 1002 by Eric the Red, a famous Norwe- 
gian sailor, but positive proof is lacking. 

The PILGRIMS, upon reaching this side of the Atlantic, 
sailed close to the shores of Nantucket, and the "Mayflower" 
was nearly wrecked on Nantucket shoals, causing them to give 
up further venture and return to Massachusetts Bay, which 
they had just left, having determined, after hastily viewing 
the country along shore, to seek a landing place and establish 
a settlement near the Hudson River. 

The CLAIM OF THE ENGLISH GOVERNMENT to these 
islands, by right of discovery, was based upon the voyage of 
John Cabot and his son Sebastian, who, in 1498, cruised along 
the coast from Florida to Labrador. 

13 




Near Commercial Wharf 



In 1635, William, EARL OF STERLING, obtained the grant, 
including the islands south of Cape Cod, from the "Council for 
the Affairs of New England," known as the Plymouth Com- 
pany, created by King James I in 1621, for the purpose of en- 
couraging and establishing colonial settlements in America. 

In 1637 JAMES FORRETT came to New York, appointed 
by Lord Sterling as his agent to dispose of and settle the terri- 
tory thus acquired. In October, 1641, some twentv years 
after the landing of the Pilgrims, Forrett SOLD THE ISLAND 
of Nantucket to THOMAS MAYHEW and his son Thomas, 
who sailed for England in 1657 and was never again heard 
from. In Febmarv, 1659, the elder Mavhew for "30 POUNDS 
CURRENT PAY AND TWO BEAVER HATS, one for myself 
and one for my wife, "sold all but one-tenth interest, which in- 
cluded that part of the island called Quaise, to nine others, viz. : 
Tristram Coffin, vSr., Christopher Hussey, Richard Swaine, 
Thomas Barnard, Peter Coffin, Stephen Greenleaf, John 
Swaine, Thomas Macy and William Pile. Each purchaser 
chose an associate, viz.: John Smith, Nathaniel Starbuck, 
Robert Pike, Thomas Look, Robert Barnard, James Coffin, 
Tristram Coffin, Jr., Thomas Coleman and Edward Starbuck. 
The tenth part which belonged to William Pile was divided 
one-half to John Bishop and one-half to WilHam Mary, Ann 
and Martha Bunker. These were the purchasers who bought 
the right of the Indian sachems to the island. When the 
settlers arrived the island was inhabited by 700 INDIANS, 
one hundred years later there remained but 358; in 1763-4, 
222 were carried away by disease, the remainder gradually 
disappearing, the last full blooded Indian, Dorcas Honorable , 
dying in 1822. 

14 



The main settlement of the Indians was just north of Mia- 
comet pond although the last settlement was at Squam, on the 
west bank of Sacacha Pond — near Quidnet, where three wig- 
wams were standing in 1795. In 1917, at Quaise, the skeletons 
of two Indians and a dog were found buried on the edge of the 
bluff overlooking the beach; arrow heads and broken pottery 
were found nearby. The relics were placed in the Historical 
Association Museum for preservation. 

A half-l^reed by the name of Abram Ouary, the last man with 
Indian blood in his veins, died in 1854, aged 82 years and 10 
months. He lived on Abram's point on the south side of Nan- 
tucket harbor, not far from an old Indian burying ground. 

Thomas Maoy, Edward Starbuck and Thomas Coleman, 
representing the SETTLERS, spent the winter of 1658-9 on the 
island, building their hut at Maddaket. They came to confer 
with the Indians in regard to purchasing certain rights and 
privileges from them and to determine the best location for 
their dwellings. Satisfactory arrangements having been made 
for the lands to be used by them, an agreement was made with 
the Indian sachems, Wanackmamack and Nickanoose. to sell 
certain parts of the island. This agreement was concluded in 
1665 by the payment of 12 pounds cash and 14 pounds within 
three months. 

In June, 1661, the settlers then Hving in Amesburv and 
vSalisbury, Massachusetts, embarked for their new home ac- 
companied by Peter Folger of Marthas Vineyard, an inter- 
preter of the Indian language and whose daughter was the 
mother of Benjamin Franklin. They landed at Cupaum 
harbor, now Cu]jaum pond (closed by a storm about the A^ear 
1700). and built their homes not far distant (site of TRISTRAM 
COFFIN'S HOUSE marked by granite post just southwest of 
the pond) and took up fishing, fanning and SHEEP RAISING 
as a means of obtaining a livelihood. The territory obtained 
from the Indians outside of the dwelling sites was held in 
common and was used by all for sheep graz- 
ing. The number of sheep any one person 
could own was determined by the proportion 
of his interests in the original island shares, 
to the land available for such purpose. It 
was agreed that an acre of common land was 
sufficient to maintain one sheep, hence the 
term "SHEEP COMMONS," an expression 
readily understood Ijy the Indians. In 1775 
the flocks numbered over 15,000 head and the 
annual SHEARING, which commenced on the 
Monday nearest the 20th of June, was the oc- 
casion for a general celebration and in later 
Site of -'^^"^^ many strangers from the mainland, 

Tristram Coffin's called "coofs"' by the islanders, came to at- 
House tend the festivities. The western shear-pen 

15 




was located near Maxcys pond and the eastern 

B— ■■kj_^__ near Gibbs pond; when the eastern shearing 
was finished the western commenced. The 
last shearing occurred in 1847, at which time 
the shear-pen was located near Miacomet pond. 
The FIRST WHITE CHILD born on the 
island was Mary Starbuck in 1663. 
Tristram Coffin was the FIRST CHIEF 
MAGISTRATE of the island and was ap- 
pointed in 1671 by Governor Lovelace of 
NEW YORK, to which colony the island be- 
longed, and to whom was paid an "annual tax of 
FOUR BARRELS OF MERCHANTABLE 
CODFISH." The name of the town at that 
time was SHERBURNE. 

The FIRST ROAD extended from the settlement to the 
harbor, being the same as West Chester and Chester Streets of 
today. The FIRST CHURCH, school house, town house and 
jail were on this road and stood near Maxcys pond (see Wanna- 
comet Water Works, page 44) about one mile west from the 
junction of West Chester and North Liberty Streets. In 1666 
a GRIST MILL was built near Chester Street, between Centre 
and North Water Streets, on the bank of the LILY POND 
brook, which emptied into the harbor, and in 1676 a fulling 
mill was built and operated nearby. 

The Lily pond, at this time called "Wesquo" pond, was large 
and deep and covered the area inclosed by West Chester, 
Centre, Lily and North Liberty Streets. Gull Island, so 
called because of the gulls which used tb frequent it, was sur- 
rounded by water and the LILY POND DAM was located near 
the comer of Centre and Chester Streets. In 1722 a little 
girl dug a gutter across the dam to see the water run and the 
next morning the dam was gone, the fulling mill carried away 
and several small boats, lying in the creek, stove to pieces. 
In 1673 the TOWN WAS MOVED to its present site, known 
to the Indians as "Wesquo," meaning "a bright stone," retain- 
ing the name of Sherburne until 1795 when it was CHANGED 
TO NANTUCKET. In 1692 the island was annexed to the 
province of Massachusetts. 

In 1723 the FIRST WIND MILL was erected on Mill Hills 
and the FIRST WHARF, "Straight Wharf," was built at the 
foot of State Street, name changed to MAIN STREET in 1835 
and paved with cobbles two years later. 

In 1772 a fulling and coloring mill was built over a small 
stream at Polpis and operated for 25 years. The manufacture 
of duck started in 1792, the population at that time number- 
ing close to 6,000, of which one-half were QUAKERS. In 
1797 the STREETS were NAMED and the manufacture of 
cut nails, probably the first made in this country, commenced. 
SHIPBUILDING started on Brant point in 1810 and two years 

16 




The Lifesavers Landing in the Surf at South Shore 



later a woolen factory, employing 200 people, was built on New 
North Wharf operating successfullv for a number of years. 
The "Nantucket Gazette," the FIRST NEWSPAPER pubHshed 
on the island, made its appearance in 1816, and in 1821 the 
localities known as Middle Pasture, North Pasture, Smooth 
Hummocks, Trotts Hills, Maddaket and Head of Plains were 
laid out, some of the earlier divisions being Great Neck, Foot 
of Plains, The Woods, Monomoy, South Pasture, Southeast 
Quarter, Plainfield, Squam, Coskata, Polpis, Shimmo, Shaw- 
kemo and Quaise, the portion reserved by Thomas Mayhew 
for himself. 

The FIRST POWDER HOUSE, where powder was stored 
with which to blow up buildings in case of fire, was built in 
1823, and in 1831 fourteen humane houses were built about 
the shores of the island by the MASSACHUSETTS HUMANE 
SOCIETY, some of them equipped with lifeboats, etc., while 
others were houses of refuge offering shelter to the shipwrecked 
mariner. 

In 1840 a system of communication, by means of SIGNAL 
POLES with movable arms at the top, was established between 
Nantucket and the mainland. The signal pole station on 
Nantucket stood at the highest point on the Cliff, similar poles 
being loca'ed on the islands of Tuckernuck and Muskeget 
Edgartown and West Chop on Marthas Vineyard, and Woods 
Hole on the mainland, messages being transmitted according 
to prearranged code and relayed from station to station. The 
system, while expensive, was maintained for about six years, 
gradually falling into disuse as the decline in the whaling in- 
dustry set in and the necessity for communication between the 
islands became less important. 

17 




Pacific National Bank and Methodist Church 



In 1845 Nantucket had 14 SCHOOLS. In 1800 a private 
academy was erected near the site of the present High School 
at the head of Gay Street, erected in 1856, replacing the origi- 
nal high school built in 1836. The locality has since been 
called Academv Hill. 

The GREAT FIRE of July 13, 1846, destroyed a million 
dollars worth of property, wiping out the entire business sec- 
tion of the town, including many of the finest buildings. Start- 
ing Monday evening at 11 o'clock in a tailor shop which stood 
near the corner of Main and Union Streets, the fire burned all 
night and extended in a wide swath, which reached from the 
"North Church" to the "South Tower" and to the harbor, the 
boundaries being marked by white MARBLE BLOCKS at the 
street corners. As the fire spread to the wharves the oil from 
the bursting barrels caught fire and the harbor appeared to be 
ablaze as the burning oil flowed over the water. Before re- 
building, MAIN STREET below the PACIFIC BANK build- 
ing, erected in 1818, was widened bv 20 feet on the north side, 
thus forming the "SQUARE." 

In 1854 GAS was lighted for the first time and the town 
asylum called "Our Island Home" erected. Two years later 
an attempt was made to connect Nantucket by CABLE with 
the mainland. The cable was laid from Great Point to Mon- 
omoy island but was out of commission in a few hours; it was 
pulled ashore and the following year was laid from Nantucket 
to the mainland via Tuckernuck, Muskeget and Marthas 
Vineyard. The section between the Vineyard and the main- 
land was soon out of commission but for several years fair 

18 




Summer Residence on Cliff Road 

service was maintained between Nantucket and the Vineyard. 
In 1886 a cable was laid by the Government connecting Nan- 
tucket with the maitiland and a weather bureau station es- 
tabhshed. The ''WIRELESS" at 'Sconset was installed in 
1901 and telephone connection with the mainland \\'as es- 
tablished in 1916 when a submarine TELEPHONE CABLE 
was laid and placed in operation by the New England Tele- 
phone and Telegraph Co. 

The FIRST STEAMBOAT to run between the island and the 
mainland was the "Eagle," which crossed the Sound in 1818, 
but many years elapsed before steamboats were running with 
any degree of regularity, sailing vessels being depended upon 
for communication with the ports of New Bedford, Boston, 
New York, Albany and Baltimore and a fair schedule was 
maintained by these ''PACKETS," the last of which was the 
sloop "Tawtemeo," which remained in service until 1881. 

It was not until 1870 that Nantucket, on account of its 
CLIMATE SO WONDERFULLY BENEFICIAL for recupera- 
tive purposes, began to attract attention as a SUMMER 
RESORT, since which time it has steadily grown in popu- 
larity. The population since 1875 has averaged about 3,000, 
whose occupation, besides the entertainment of summer visi- 
tors, is fishine, farming and the cultivation of cranberries. 



19 




Old Whaler "Morning Star" 

The illustrations of this old whaleship are from photographs taken by the writer the day be- 
fore she sailed on a cruise which lasted four years, returning safely with a cargo of oil. 

The Nantucket Whale Fishery 



Thirty years after the settlers had taken up their abode on 
the island or about the year 1690, the catching of whales com- 
menced. It was evident from the number of dead whales 
washed ashore (which it had been agreed that the Indians 
should have) that the waters about them held in store an 
additional means of obtaining a livelihood. Whales were 
frequently seen spouting and sporting in the sea not far from 
shore and to devise a method of capture was a problem which 
they undertook to solve. That they were successful was 
evidenced by the fact that whales were soon being taken by 
means of small boats which put out from shore. The south 
side of the island was divided into four beats and MASTS 
WERE ERECTED on the bluffs bordering the beach where 
lookouts with horns were stationed to call the boat crews, made 
up of 6 men each, and point out to them the whereabouts of 
the whale. After capture the whales were towed ashore to 
the TRI WORKS on the beach, where the oil was extracted, 
placed in barrels and carted across the island. 

The growth of the industry was rapid and in the course of a 
few years, about 1712, sloops and even small schooners were 
fitted out for short voyages. STRAIGHT WHARF was 
built in 1720. In 1773 three Nantucket whale ships, the 
"Dartmouth," "Beaver" and "Bedford," belonging to the firm of 
William Rotch & Sons, sailed for London with cargoes of oil; 

20 




Deck of the Old Whaler "Morning Star" 

after unloadiuf^ they were chartered to bring cargoes of TEA 
TO BOSTON. Upon their arrival the tea was promptly 
thrown overboard, thus making a famiHar bit of history. At 
the breaking out of THE REVOLUTION, in 1775, the fleet 
numbered 140 seagoing craft, including brigs of considerable 
size. The war proved a severe blow to ths industry, the ves- 
sels being nearly all lost by capture. 

After the PEACE OF 1783 business was revived, larger 
vessels were built and longer voyages taken. Capt. Timothy 
Folger of Nantucket was first to chart the course of the GULF 
STREAM, voyages up and down the coast leading to its dis- 
covery. The FIRST SHIP TO FLY THE AMERICAN FLAG 
in a British port was the "Bedford," Capt. Mooers, from 
Nantucket. She arrived in The Downs, February 6, 1783, 
loaded with 487 butts of whale oil. The cruising grounds were 
no longer confined to the Atlantic and in 1791 the ships of 
Nantucket became the PIONEERS OF THE PACIFIC whale 
fishery and thirty islands were discovered by them. The 
first whaler to round Cape Horn was the ship "Beaver," Capt. 
Paul Worth. 

During the WAR WITH ENGLAND, 1812-14, many vessels 
were lost and the inhabitants suffered the greatest distress. 
After the declaration of peace the industry was prosecuted 
with renewed energy; new and larger vessels were added to 
the fleet and the wharves, lined with whale ships and strewn 
with anchors, tripots, spars, whale boats, timber, oil casks, 
etc., were alive with busy workmen, stevedores, coopers and 
truckmen, while the riggers and ship carpenters were putting 

21 




Deck of the Old Whaler "Alorning Star" 



cvcr\-lhin,u: in readiness for the renewal of business. In 1822, 
85 WHALE SHIPS hailed from Nantucket and the voyages 
were becoming more and more successful. In 1830 the ship 
"Sarah" brought home the LARGEST CARGO OF SPERM 
oil ever taken, 3,497 barrels, value $98,000. In 1838 the ship 
"Joseph vStarbuck" was built on Brant Point. 

In 1840 Nantucket had a population of 9,712 and was the 
LARGEST WHALING PORT in the world. SHIPBUILD- 
ING was carried on quite extensively on Brant Point and 
nearly everything to meet the local demand was manufactured 
and included whale boats, blocks, pumps, hoop rivets, nails, 
harpoons, lances, knives, candles, duck, boots, shoes, brushes, 
bellows, silk, straw and cordage of all kinds, such as standing 
and running rigging, bolt rope, worm line, marline, spun yarn, 
whale lines, twine, etc. Ten ROPE WALKS, 36 oil and CAN- 
DLE HOUSES, several tanneries and an iron and brass foundry 
were in operation besides numerous sail and rig lofts, spar 
yards, 11 blacksmiths, 22 COOPER SHOPS where casks and 
candle boxes were made. 

Nantucket was the first place to manufacture SPERM 
OIL AND CANDLES, the spermaceti from which the candles 
were made was separated from the oil. Later whale and 
elephant oils were included. The GREATEST NUMBER OF 
WHALE SHIPS at any one time was 90. As the larger ships 
of greater draft were built the difficulty in passing to and 
fro over the BAR (about where the jetties end) increased, the 
water even at high tide being too shallow to permit them to 
pass freely and it became necessary for many of them to fit 
out at Old Town (now Edgartown) on Marthas Vineyard, or 
New Bedford, on the mainland. In 1842 Peter F. Ewer 

22 




Old Candle Housi 



sotiglit to overcome this difficulty by the invention of the 
"CAMELS." These were twin floats resembUng in appear- 
ance a large scow 135 feet long, secured one to the other by 
heavy chains. The inner sides were shaped to fit approxi- 
mately the hull of a ship. They were floated, with chains let 
clown, one on each side of the ship, having first been submerged 
to the proper depth by allowing the water to flow in. The 
chains were then hove taut and the water pumped out lifting 
the ship bodily between them as they arose higher and higher 
out of the water. Although the "Camels" had their own 
power it was customary for the steamer to tow them in ; as the 
affair was clumsy and unmanageable, they were unsatisfactory, 
and after several vears use were abandoned. 

In 1859 the ship "Three Brothers," Capt. Charles E. Cleveland, 
returned with 6,000 barrels of oil, the LARGEST CARGO 
ever taken. The LAST WHALE tried out on Nantucket was 
on the bark "Amy" while lying at the Old North Wharf 
in 1870, although two whales captured in 1886 were tried 
out on Tuckemuck yielding oil and bone 
worth $2,400. 

Nantucket's MOST SUCCESSFUL 
WHALING MASTER was Capt. Charles 
Grant. He was born in 1814 and "rounded 
the Horn" on his first voyage at the age 
of eleven. He spent 56 years of his life 
aboard whale ships sailing seven voyages 
as master, his wife accompanying him from 
1849 to 1881, and their children were born 
aboard ship. On one voyage of about four 
years he returned with a cargo of 3,000 
barrels of sperm oil and 16 pounds of 
ambergris, valued at $180,000. While 
23 




sailing as master he brought home 17,000 barrels of oil and 
more sperm oil than any other whaling master, one voyage 
netting him $24,000. After 1859 he sailed from Fairhaven 
and New Bedford. He died in Nantucket March 18, 1906, 
aged 91 years and 9 months. 

In 1913 Capt. Thaddeus C. Defriez, the LAST WHALING 
MASTER, died. 

The decline of the whaling industry dated from the fall in 
tlie price of oil, in 1842, due to the growing popularity of lard 
oil and the discovery of mineral oil fields. Other ports were 
growijig in importance and the business was being overdone. 
Whales were becoming scarce, voyages of four years very often 
ending in failure. A great fire in 1846 destroyed nearly 
$1,000,000 worth of property and the gold fever of 1849 drew 
heavilv upon the male population of the town. The LAST 
WHALE SHIP sailed in 1869 and the industry, so far as Nan- 
tucket was concerned, became extinct, although for many 
years it was the headquarters of the American whale fishery 
and the people of the island its pioneers. 




Old Fish Cart and Oil Truck 



24 



Inr 



:3s 



'^ 



Iff 

1911 



?w ~~ 


JIIH 


^illttUyiU 


AiUiiiiii 


^:- 


^^^■■■■1 



The Nantucket Historical Association 



Nantucket Historical Association Museum 

From Main Street, take Fair Street. OPEN DAILY, EXCEPT SUN- 
DAY, 9 TO 5. ADMISSION 15 CENTS. 

Adjoining the Friends' Meetinghouse on Fair Street is the 
new building of the Historical Association, in which is a MU- 
SEUM, considered one of the best in the State. 

The Association was organized in May, 1894, and incorpor- 
ated two months later, with headquarters in the old meeting- 
house, which they bought during the year. In 1904 the Asso- 
ciation erected the present fireproof building to insure the 
preservation of the many old records and articles of historical 
interest which they have on exhibition. 

The DEED FROM THE INDIANS to Edward Starbuck, 
dated 1665, is carefully preserved, and among the exhibits can 
be seen many fine specimens of "scrimshont" work. In the 
basement is an old time oil truck. 

One of the most interesting exhibits is the JAW OF A SPERM 
WHALE, taken in the Pacific Ocean by the bark "Islander," 
Capt. Cash of Nantucket. It measures 17 feet in length, 
weighs 800 pounds, and has 46 teeth. The length of the 
whale was 87 feet, circumference 36 feet, weight about 200 
tons and yield of oil 110 barrels. 

In the vestibule of the new building is a MEMORIAL TAB- 
LET upon which is inscribed the names of the 21 Nantucket 



25 




A CurniT in the Museum 



sailors who served on the "Ranger" and "Bon Homme Rieh- 
ard," under Commodore John Paul Jones, in the Revolution- 
ary War, and that of Lieut. Pinkham, U. S. N., of Nantucket, 
whose personal efforts were the means of preserving the birth- 
place of John Paul Jones at Arbigland, vScotland, in 1831. 

At the entrance to the Association building, set in the ground 
and properly inscribed, is the DOORSTONE of Benjamin 
Tashma, who died in 1770. He was the grandson of sachem 
Autopscot and grandfather of Dorcas Honorable, the last full- 
blooded Indian. His "Wigwam" stood just beyond the fifth 
milestone on the 'Sconset road. He was buried 
near the head of Miacomet Pond. 

The MONUMENTS set in the sidewalk 
in front of the Association building and on 
Main Street opposite the end of Fair Street 
mark the town's meridian (north and south 
line). They were placed in position by the 
U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. 

The OLD MEETINGHOUSE was built by the 

Friends in 1838, being originally used by them 

as a school. It was transformed into a place of 

v/orship in 1864 and used as such until the last 

member of the society on the island passed 

away. The furnishings and arrangements are 

the same as in former years. 

,- ,, The old mill, in the south part of the town, 

Meridian '^^^ ^^^ Gardner House in 'Sconset belong to the 

Stone Association. 




26 




Old Windmill 

The Old Mill 

From Main Street, take Pleasant to South Mill Street. ADMISSION 
15 CENTS. 

On Popsquatchet Hills, just sotithwest of the town and in 
that locality known as the "MILL HILLS," stands the Old 
Mill. It was BUILT in 1746, the date cut in the doorstep, and 
the timbers used in its construction are said to have grown 
just across Dead Horse Valley, to the south. Upon examina- 
tion it would appear that the larger timbers are ship timbers 
and it is probable that they were taken from wreckage cast 
upon the shore or from some old hulk unfit for further use. 

In 1776, THREE MILLS were in operation on the hills, the 
one now standing being known as the "East Mill" and the 
westernmost as the "Spider Mill," which stood on the site of 
Prospect Hill Cemetery. The FIRST WINDMILL, built in 
1723, was blown up in 1836 to ascertain the effect of blowing 
up buildings with powder in case of fire. 

During the REVOLUTION the vanes of the mills were set 
to warn incoming shipping of the approach of British vessels. 
The Mill is now the property of the Historical Association 
and was purchased in 1897 to insure its preservation. 

27 




Old Coffin House 



The Oldest House on the Island 

From Main Street Square, take Centre .Street, West Chester and 
Sunset Hill Streets. OPEN FROM 9 TO 12 AND 2 TO 5. ADMIS- 
SION 15 CENTS. This route passes OLD NORTH VESTRY— First 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (page 34). 

An interesting relic of the earlier davs of Nantucket is the 
old JETHRO COFFIN HOUSE, BUILT in 1686. It stands 
on SUNSET HILL, faces south and has a hu^^e HORSESHOE 
formed of brick on the front of the chimney, put there pos- 
sibl}^ to keep out the witches. It was a wedding gift to Mary 
Gardner and Jethro CoflEin and was built for them by Peter 
Coffin on land given by John Gardner, fathers of the bride and 
groom. 

Among the interesting features are the old FIREPLACES 
built of large BRICKS laid in mortar made from LIME ob- 
tained from seashells, and the winding STAIRWAYS, ship 
knee BRACES at the corners, the original FLOOR BOARDS, 
split cedar LATH and hand made NAILS. The OLD HEAD- 
STONE which marked the site of the oldest burying ground 
is placed here for preservation. The little OPENING NEAR 
THE DOOR, through which to observe those seeking admit- 
tance, was also a most desirable feature when it is remembered 
that several hundred INDIANS roamed at will about the island. 

The northeast corner of the house was destroyed b}^ fire 
many years ago and repairs were made without regard to the 
original rectangular lines. 

Within a stone's throw, and southeast of the Coffin Hous3, 
stands the OLD PADDOCK HOUSE, built in 1720. 

28 




The Nantucket Atheneum 

Public Library — Atheneum 

The Atheneum is on Federal Street — a short distance from 
Main Street Square. The Hbrary occupies the lower floor of 
the building and numbers nearly 15,000 VOLUMES. All the 
leading magazines and reviews are found in the reading room. 

STARTING IN 1820 WITH 26 VOLUMES when The 
Nantucket Mechanics Social Library Society" was formed, 
the Library has grown to its present proportions. In 1823 
another society was started called "The Columbian Library 
Society," which, after an existence of four years, combined 
with the first as the "United Library Association." In 1836 
a lot on Main Street was offered the association, provided the 
sum of $3,500 was raised with which to erect a suitable build- 
ing, $4,200 was realized, but the lot being small it was ex- 
changed with the proprietors of the Universalist Church and 
their building, which was purchased, was fitted up as a library 
and the association incorporated as "THE NANTUCKET 
ATHENEUM." The Church building was destroyed in the 
great fire of 1846 and from the insurance thereon the PRESENT 
STRUCTURE, OPENED IN 1847, was erected. Above the 
library is a HALL. The museum, which for many years occu- 
pied a room in this building, has been placed in the fireproof 
structure of the Historical Association on Fair Street. 



29 






Mi'iiiiiiilllllf] 




Birthplace of Maria Mitchell 



Maria Mitchell Birthplace and Memorial 

Main Street to SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT (page 31). 
Milk Sireet to Vestal Street. OPEN DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAY, FROM 
9.30 TO 12 AND 2.30 TO 5. ADMISSION 15 CENTS. 

This old hotisc, now the property of the MARIA MITCHELL 
MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION of Vassar graduates and others, 
founded in 1902, was BUILT in 1790 and stands on Vestal 
Street, just west of Milk Street, where in August, 1818, this 
noted astronomer was born. 

In 1847 while studying with her father, whose observatory 
stood on the southwest corner of Gardner and North Liberty 
Streets, she DISCOVERED THE COMET which bears her 
name and received, from the King o.f Denmark, a gold medal 
offered for the discovery of a new comet. Upon being PRE- 
SENTED WITH A TELESCOPE in 1858 she built an observa- 
tory v\?hicli stood just back of the Coffin School and in 1863 
was made PROFESSOR OF ASTRONOMY and director of 
the observatory at Vassar College, which position she held 
until 1888, when on account of felling health she retired, being 
made professor emeritus, her death occurring in 1889. In the 
yard of the Vestal Street house stands the fireproof MEM- 
ORIAL OBSERVATORY, a square brick building with revolv- 
ing dome, built by subscription in 1908 and equipped with the 
telescope presented to Prof. Mitchell in 1858. To women 
astronomers the Association oilers an astronomical fellowship 
of $1,000. The LIBRARY contains many interesting books 
relating to Nantucket. 

30 



Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument 

Main Street to MONUMENT SQUARE. 

IN 1874, with the money raised b\" local subscription, the 
ircnnmcnt was erected in memory of the 74 fellow-townsmen 

who gave up their lives in battle 
(luring the Civil War. Nan- 
ui elect gained the distinction of 
"BANNER TOWN" of the com- 
monwealth, by sending into the 
army and navy 339 men, 56 
more than her quota. 

For the base of the monument 
was used one of the millstones 
from the "ROUND TOP MILL," 
which stood on the hill in what 
is now the North Cemetery. It 
was taken down in 1873. 

Brant Point 

From Main Street Square, take 
Federal, Broad, Beach and Easton 
Streets. THREE-QUARTERS OF A 
MILE. Passes tlie ATHENEUM— 
PUBLIC LIBRARY (pas^e 29), and 
I he NANTUCKET ATHLETIC CLUB. 

As a CONTINUOUS LIGHT- 

HOUSE SITE this is the 
OLDEST IN AMERICA, and the second Hghthouse on this 
side of the Atlantic was ERECTED here in ' 1746. The first 





Old Lightho r?e, Erant Point 
31 




Nantucket Athletic Club 



lighthouse was built on Great Brewster island, Boston Harbor, 
in 1716, but in 1754 this site was abandoned and the light has 
since been maintained on Little Brewster, now called Light- 
house island. The third lighthouse was erected at New London, 
Connecticut, about twenty years later. 

Brant Point light was not controlled by the Government 
until 1795, being among the first eight taken* over at that 
tim.e. No less than TEN LIGHTHOUSES have been built 
on this point, and two are standing at the present time, the 
others having been blown down or destro3^ed by fire. 

The small white LIGHTHOUSE ON THE TIP OF THE 
POINT, which guards the entrance to the harbor, was BUILT 
in 1901. The LIGHT is 26 feet above the water, of 490 
CANDLE-POWER, and is visible 6]/2 miles. The lantern was 
taken from the OLD TOWER standing 600 feet west, which 
was built in 1856, the change in location being due to the 
making out of the point. The new RANGE LIGHTS of skele- 
ton construction, erected in 1908, were made necessary by 
changing the course of the dredged channel, since which time 
the old cliff range beacons, erected in 1838 near the bathing 
beach, have been discontinued. All lights on the point are 
fixed white. 

In former years a ROPEWALK stood near the point and 
SALTWORKS were in operation, considerable quantities of sea 
salt being obtained. SHIPYARDSVere located on the harbor 
side and shipbuilding was carried on quite extensively, two 
marine railways being available for the removal of the larger 
vessels from the water. 

32 




COPYRIGHT, 1910. BY J.H ROBINSON 




Distance 

TO THE 

Horizon 



DEGINNINIG 

with five feet, the 
height of the aver- 
age eye above the 
water when stand- 
ing at the water's 
edge, the table be- 
low will give the 
distance at which 
an entire object can 
be seen from the 
height given. 



Stat. 
Miles 



280 |22.1« 
22.50 
22.89 
2.3 . 28 
23.63 
24.01 
21.38 
24.74 
25 . 08 
25 . 43 
25.77 
26.11 
26.44 
20.77 
27.09 
27.42 
27.73 
28.03 
28.35 
28.66 
28.95 
29.26 
29.56 
29.85 
30.14 
30.43 
30.72 
30.99 
31.29 
31.57 
31.84 
32.12 
32.38 
32.93 



1 




WAREHAM 

MARION 
MATTAPOISETT fi) 

^WAMSU 

FAIR HAVEN 



BUZZARDS BAV 

MONUMENT BEACH 

NGS NrCK 



Hfc 



^ ^ -S-FALMOUTi 

c3 w^ui,,,>r„oV!)_y v^;;-p .., 

-/ t^ ^ iJ^/ D WEST CHOg^V 

O /HAVEN 

V ^ MARTHAS ^^"^^^^ (% \ 




.^M^. 







V Fi:i"I)P Si C 



N A N T U C 1< F- T 5 U N. 







■^= POLLOCK RIP 



POLLOCK nrp ^ 

CO 

o 



-ng: 



'HANOKLRCmCF 



O 



'-'^^S'-^ 



4 






/\ 7 /- /^ ,v r / c 



C F A N 



''^ STANiTpiPE • CLirr^^RANT PT. 

^ ^ADDAKET L.s.s. NANTUCKET 

NANTUCKET 




SIKNMATV M' \[> 



T. 19^0 » HV J.HJ»0D(NSON 



Steamboat Route, Lighthouses and Lightships 

The route traveled by the steamboats plying between Nantucket and the mainland is shown by the dotted red line, and the points of interest 
visible on a clear day are shown by dotted lines. Figures indicate the distance in statute miles from the nearest point on route to the object designated. 

From New Bedford to Woods Hole, 16 miles, 1 hour and 20 minutes; from Woods Hole to Oak Bluffs, 8 miles, 40 minutes; from Oak Bluffs to 
Nantucket, 30 miles, 2 hours and 30 minutes. Total distance, 54 miles; total time, 4 hours and 30 minutes. 

On a clear day land is visible at all times from the upper deck of the steamer, the point farthest away being near Cross Rip Lightship where 
Cape Poge Lighthouse and the Muskeget Lifesaving Station are equidistant, 714 miles. 

The route passes close to the lightship, papers, magazines, etc., being frequently thrown on board. The lightship is half way between Oak 
Bluils and Nantucket, about Ij^ hours being required to reach the wharf. 

In addition to the Muskeget station, the following points appear along the horizon, in the order named: Houses on Tuckernuck, Maddaket 
Lifesaving Station, Standpipe, and the houses on the Cliff, back of which the town of Nantucket is hidden. 

Note. — Shovelful Shoal (lightship north of Great Pt., Nantucket) changed to Stonehorse. 



NANTUCKET 

IvtASSiVCHUSETTS 





'MONOMCl' 



/V A N T ij C K F- I b U N /D^^-HAHD^LRcwcFSKOflL 



-^' POLLOCK RIP ^ 

o 



Mus>.e§ey^ 



C F A N 



%k SHOAL 

ikSfi'EAT PT. 




.rjKATV HFAL^- 



houses and Lightships 

le mainland is shown by the dotted red line, and the points of interest 

mce in statute miles from the nearest point on route to the object designated. 

om Woods Hole to Oak Bluffs, 8 miles, 40 minutes; from Oak Bluffs to 

>tal time, 4 hours and 30 minutes. 

teamer, the point farthest away being near Cross Rip Lightship where 

lidistant, 7J^ miles. 

frequently thrown on board. The lightship is half way between Oak 

)ng the horizon, in the order named: Houses on Tuckernuck, Maddaket 

i'hich the town of Nantucket is hidden, 
iged to Stonehorse. 




33 




Old North Vestry 

North Vestry — First Congregational Church 
*'North Church'' or ''North Tower" 



From Main Street Square, take Centre Street, to the Church. 
STANDS IN THE REAR. 



VESTRY 




'North Church' 



This old meetinghouse, now used 
as the North Church Vestrv, is 
BUILT OF ISLAND TIMBER and 
was ERECTED IN 1711 near 
Maxcys pond about one mile west 
from the junction of West Centre 
and North Liberty Streets. In 1765 
it was moved to BEACON HILL, 
where the Congregational Church 
now stands, and in 1834 was again 
moved to make room for the pres- 
ent church in connection with which 
it is still used. 

In the tower of this old building in 
1787, the FIRST NIGHT-WATCH- 
MAN was stationed to keep a look- 
out for fire, and in 1800 a BELL 
weighing 1,000 pounds, the FIRST 
ON THE ISLAND, was hung in 
the belfry, a new tower having been 

34 



erected, and the CUSTOM OF RINGING THE BELL, morn- 
ing, noon and night, inaugurated. The tower was taken down 
when the meetinghouse was moved to its present position in 
1834 and the NEW CHURCH building was ereeted in the 
same year. The present edifice originally had a steeple but 
it^was considered unsafe and was taken down, being replaced 
byj^the four minarets which adorn the belfry. 

In April, 1914, the old bell, being cracked, was replaced 
hyja NEW BELL bearing the following inscription: 

Ring out the old, ring in the new ; 
Ring out the false, ring in the true ; 
Ring out the darkness of the land ; 
Ring in the Church that is to be. 

Presented to the First Congrega- 
tional Clnirch of Nantucket, Mass. 
by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lang 
A. D. 1914. 

Tlic l)ell was cast bv the 
Mcneely Bell Co., of Troy, N. 
v., weighs over 1,200 pounds, 
and was rung for the first time 
on Easter Sundav. 

The OLD BELL, after remov- 
ing the tongue as a momento of 
its many years of service, was 
sent to the melting pot. 

Unitarian Church 
''South Tower'' 

From Alain Street Srjuare, take 
Orange Street. ADMISSION to the 
tower (not open at all hours) can be 
obtained of the attendant who rings 
llie bell at seven in the morning and 
at noon. 

ERECTED in 1809 the old 
church and tower, with its gilded 
dome flashing in the sunlight, stands guard over the town, ever 
ready to give warning in case of danger. In its oaken tower 
is located the TOWN CLOCK and historic OLD BELL which 
sounds the alarm in case of fire and rings out the hours of the 
day, pealing forth for a little while at SEVEN in the morning, 
at NOON, and at NINE in the evening, a custom which has 
prevailed in the old town for many years. 

In 1787, as a precaution against fire, a watchman was sta- 
tioned in the tower of the Congregational meetinghouse, now 

35 




the old North Vestry. Upon completion of this, the vSecond 
Congregational Church (now Unitarian), with its fine tower, 
the "South Tower," the * 'TOWER WATCH" was transferrsd 
and for nearly 100 years the nightly vigil was here maintained, 
being discontinued in 1907, the "watch" being considered 
unnecessary owing to the installation of the AUTOMATIC 
FIRE ALARM. 



Diagram of the Points of Interest Visible 
from "South Tower" 







From the LOOKOUT, the floor of which is 80 feet above the 
street and 120 feet above sea level, a FINE VIEW of over 14 
miles in any direction can be had of the town, island, and 
surrounding waters. From the base of the tower to the tip of 
the vane spindle is 110 feet. The clock dials are 9 feet 4 inches 
in diameter. 

The FIRST TOWN CLOCK was placed in the tower in 1823. 
It was built on the island and gave manv vears of service, being 
replaced by the PRESENT CLOCK in 1881, a gift to the town 
by William Hadwen Starbuck. In the belfry hangs the OLD 
LISBON BELL, noted for its remarkable sweetness of tone. 
It weighs 1,575 pounds and was one of a set of six bells cast 

36 




Coffin School 

for a church of fjreat veneration, at Mountain, in Lisbon, 
Portugal. Capt. Charles Clasbv, of Nantucket, who in 1812 
visited the FOUNDRY IN LISBON where the bell was cast, 
was charmed by its mellow tone and expressed a desire to have 
it. As the bell had not been consecrated he was able to pur- 
chase it and another was substituted to complete the chime of 
six to which it belonged. It was BROUGHT TO THE ISLAND 
in the whaleship, "William and Nancv," Capt. Thomas Carev, 
and in 1815 was HUNG IN THE TOWER. 

The inscription on the bell is in Portuguese, and is as follows; 

"AO BOM JEZUS DO MONTE COMPLETAO ST^US 
VOTOS OS DEVOTOS DE LISBOA, OFFERECENDO LHE 
HUM COMPLETO JOGO DE SEIS SINOS PARA CHAMAR 
POS OVOS ADORALO NO SEU SANTUARIO. 

"JOZE DOMINGUES DACOSTA OFEZ EM LISBOA 
NOANNO DE 1810." 

Translation : 

"To the Good Jesus of the Mountain the devotees of Lisbon 
direct their prayers, offering Him one complete set of six bells, 
to call the people and adore Him on His Sanctuary. 

"jose Domingos da Costa has done it in Lisbon on the vcar 
1910." 

Coffin School 

Main Street to Winter Street. 

The school was FOUNDED IN 1827 BY SIR ISAAC COF- 
FIN, BART., a British Admiral, for the sole benefit of the 
descendants of Tristram Coffin. In later years all students 

37 




Cliff Bathing Beach and North Shore Cliffs 



were admitted upon the payment of a small fee. It was closed 
in 1898, the fund being inadequate for its successful operation. 

Legislative permission having been obtained and the per- 
manent funds added to by donation, it was reopened in 1903 
to all students, without charge, as a MANUAL TRAINING 
SCHOOL, in cooperation with the public school system. 

It is managed by a BOARD OF TRUSTEES, while the rais- 
ing of additional funds with which to broaden its sphere of 
usefulness is looked after by the Coffin School Association of 
Nantucket, organized to promote the interests of Admiral Sir 
Isaac Coffin's Lancasterian School. 

CLASSES in mechanical drawing, wood working, cabinet 
work, sewing and basketry are taught, and an addition to the 
building has been made for a department of domestic science. 

The school was ORIGINALLY LOCATED on the east side 
of Fair Street, a short distance north of Lvons Street. The 
PRESENT BUILDING WAS ERECTED in 1852. 

ISAAC COFFIN was born in Boston in 1759 and died at 
Cheltenham, England, in 1839, aged 80 years. At the age of 
fourteen he entered the British Navy, became an Admiral, and 
after retiring from active life returned to America. Visiting 
Nantucket, where his great-grandfather, Tristram Coffin, was 
one of the first settlers, he found a thriving town of 8,000 
population, many of whom were akin to him. Interested in 
their welfare he established the school which bears his name, 
and which, under careful management, has increased in value 
and become one of the prominent institutions, reflecting his 
sound judgment and thoughtfulness for the betterment of 
others. 

38 



»< 









CYSi Bathin" Beach 



The Cliff Bathing Beach 

From Main vStrect Square, take Federal, Broad, Beach and Nortli 
Bcacli Streets to llie beach road. ONE MILE. Passes the PUBLIC 
LIBRARY— ATHENEUM (page 29), and the NANTUCKET ATHLETIC 
CLUB. 

CONVEYANCES MAKE REGULAR TRIPS from Main Street Square. 

BOAT leaves OLD NORTH WHARF daily at 10, 11 and 12; returning 
leaves beach at 10.30, 11.30 and 12.30. 

Under the NORTH SHORE CLIFFS, where the WESTERN 
JETTY jilts out into the sound, is the CHff Bathing Beach, 
noted for its fine STILL WATER bathing. 

The proximity of the GULF STREAM direct from the Straits 
of Florida, which flows nearer the island than at any other 
point on the coast, renders the water of a warmer TEMPERA- 
TURE than is usually found at this latitude, the average being 
from 70 to 74 degrees during the summer months. 

The land upon which the PAVILION stands, and in the hnme- 
d'ate vicinity, has been set apart as a PUBLIC PARK to insure 
for all the full enjoyment of this broad expanse of beautiful 
beach overlooking Nantucket sound. 

Further in shore and just back of the pavilion is the site of 
the "BUG LIGHTS," or cHff range beacons, erected in 1838 
by the Government as an aid to the mariner in passing in and 
out over the bar. (See page 22.) 

The building of the JETTIES, commenced in 1881, together 
with the new range lights on Brant Point, made unnecessary 
the further continuance of this station. 

LIGHT and FOG SIGNALS are located on the outer end 
of the eastern jetty; the light FLASHES WHITE and is of 
290 CANDLE POWER. 

39 



Rotch (Roach) Warehouse 

This old building is located at the 
foot of Main vStrect Square and was 
ERECTED in 1772 as an office and 
warehouse bv William Rotch & 
Sons, FAMOUS SHIPOWNERS 
and the leading whaling merchants 
of that day. 

In 1773, three whale ships belong- 
ing to the Rotch firm, the "DART- 
MOUTH," "BEAVER," and "BED- 
FORD," after discharging cargoes 
of oil in London, were chartered 
by the East India Company to 
carry tea to Boston. Upon their 
arrival, landing was refused owing 
to an objectionable tax having been 
])laced upon the tea by the King, 
the vessels were boarded and the 
' 'BOSTON TEA PARTY" was held 
upon the decks of the Nantucket 
whale ships, the tea being thrown 
Rotch Warehouse overboard into the harbor! 

The FIRST SHIP TO FLY THE AMERICAN FLAG in a 
British port was the "Bedford" and the FIRST WHALESHIP 
TO ROUND CAPE HORN in search of whales in the Pacific 
was the "Beaver," both belonging to the trio of famous tea 
ships and the Rotch firm. 

In the old whaling days it was the custom for the shipmasters 
to meet in the "CAPTAINS' ROOM," which is on the lower 
floor looking out upon the "Square," and discuss the news of 





Old Jail and House of Correction 
40 




The North Shore, Westward Toward Tuckernuck 

the day. The room has been preserved as a meeting place by 
the "PACIFIC CLUB," the present owners of the building. 

Jail and House of Correction 

Main Street to SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT fpagc 31). 
Milk Street to Vestal Street, passing BIRTHPLACE OF MARIA MIT- 
CHELL (page 30) to jail, which is located back of the jailor's house where 
application should be made for admission. 

When these buildings were ERECTED in 1805, Nantucket 
was a thriving town of about 6,000 population, growing in the 
following 3S years to nearly 10,000, the largest whaling port in 
the world. As the population gradually decreased to 3,000 so 
has the institution outlived its usefulness, until today the old 
buildings stand, interesting relics of the past. 

With its whitewashed interior, huge wooden doors and heavy 
iron fastenings, the OLD JAIL stands as a menace to the 
wrongdoer, with rarelv an unfortunate to test its crude fasten- 
ings. The HOUSE OF CORRECTION, the larger of the two 
buildings, was built at Ouaisc and moved to its present site 
in 1854. 

The Cliff— ^North Shore 

From Main Street Square, take Centre Street to North Shore Hill to 
Cliff Road, thence to bluff by roads which turn off to right. Distance ONE 
MILE. See map of the town or Road Map. This route passes OLD 
NORTH VESTRY (page 34). 

The HIGHEST POINT on the "NORTH SHORE" of the 

island is one mile northwest from the center of the town of 
Nantucket, at which point the bluff, extending away to the 
westward and southeasterly toward the town, rises to a 
HEIGHT of 62 feet. (See signal poles, page 17.) 

41 




This locality, known as the "CLIFF," with its many beauti- 
ful summer homes, is one of the most charming sections of the 
island. It is not far distant from the Cliff bathing beach and 
on the west adjoins the links of the Nantucket Golf Club. 

From the bluff, overlooking the broad sandy beach, a FINE 
VIEW may be had, on a clear day, of the surrounding waters 
and the distant shipping going DOWN THE SOUND. On 
the right hand the eye follows the long, sandy stretches of 
COATUE BEACH, making out to the COSKATA LIFESAV- 
ING STATION (index), and on beyond to GREAT POINT 
LIGHTHOUSE (page 53), the white tower standing out plainly 
eight miles across the water. On the left can be seen the island 
of TUCKERNUCK (index), six miles away, and three miles 
beyond, the island of MUSKEGET and the MUSKEGET 
LIFESAVING STATION (index), the first object to be seen 
on approaching Nantucket from the mainland. 

The STEAMER IS VISIBLE, from the bluff, for nearly an 
hour before it reaches the wharf. 

The Clubhouse of the NANTUCKET GOLF CLUB is located 
on the Cliff road which leads to the waterworks (page 43) 
nearly opposite the end of Hinckley Lane, THE COURSE, 
which extends for some distance on both sides of the road and 
as far as the standpipe, traverses, the section known to the 
Indians as Wannacomet, meaning "a beautiful field." 

Hinckley Lane runs from the Cliff Road to the beach. At 
the foot of the lane and below the bluff is SACHEM SPRING. 

42 




Standp'.pe — Wannacomet Water "Works 

Wannacomet Water Works 

From Main Street Square, take Centre Street to North Shore Hill to 
Cliff Road, passing Clubhouse and Links of the NANTUCKET GOLF 
CLUB (page 42). TWO AND ONE-QUARTER MILES. Or lAIain Street, 
INIaddaket Road and across the commons. 

On the north side of the island, just beyond the course of 
the Nantucket Golf Clvib, is one of Nantucket's most familiar 
landmarks, the STANDPIPE of the Wannacomet Water 
Works. On approaching the island by steamer from the main- 
land it is the FIRST OBJECT SEEN on the north shore, and 
is of particular interest as it stands near and practically marks 
the landing place of the first settlers. The ORIGINAL TANK, 
elevated on iron columns, was ERECTED in 1879, being re- 
placed bv the PRESENT STANDPIPE in 1909. It is 30 feet 
in DIAMETER, 80 feet high, and the top is 141 FEET ABOVE 
SEA LEVEL. The area of the Washing pond close by, from 
which the water is taken, is about eight acres with a capacity 
of about 33,000,000 gallons, in some places it is 15 feet deep, 
the bottom is sandy, and it is fed by STRONG SPRINGS. 

There are TWO PUMPING PLANTS AT THE POND AND 
AN AUXILIARY AT WYER'S VALLEY, just south of the town 
at the beginning of the State road to 'Sconset and near the fair 
grounds, water from DRIVEN WELLS being forced into the 
mains when required, at this station. 




IMuskeget Lifesaving Station 
43 




Tjic East i'uiiJ/i'uekernuck 

The plan for supplying Nantucket with water was originated 
and worked out by Moses Joy, Jr., of Nantucket, in 1877, at 
which time the rain barrel and pump were the sources of supply. 
Two years later water was led into the town. 

While it would be hard to find a like area so ideally situated 
and FREE FROM CONTAMINATING SOURCES as that 
from which the town of Nantucket and nearby sections derive 
Iheir water supply, still further assurance of purity may be 
had from the fact that the WATER IS REGULARLY ANA- 
LYZED by the state Department of Health as required by the 
laws of Massachusetts. 

The MOST HISTORIC QUARTER OF THE ISLAND is 
in the vicinity of the waterworks and the site of the standpipe 
affords a most interesting point of observation. Just below 
is the WASHING POND, so called because it was here that 
the settlers washed their sheep, and a half mile beyond is 
CUPAUM POND, fonnerly a harbor open to the sea, where 
the SETTLERS LANDED, the site of TRISTRAM COFFIN'S 
HOUSE being marked by a granite post just southwest of the 
pond, (v^ee page 15.) 

On a knoll across the road, and south of the standpipe, is 
the site of the OLDEST BURYING GROUND (see page 55), 
and a short distance beyond stood the FIRST CHURCH (now 
the old North Vestry) , schoolhouse, townhouse, and jail. The 
site of the FIRST TOWN, called Sherburne, extended from thic 
quarter still further on toward the head of Hummock Pond. 

Looking back over the LINKS OF THE NANTUCKET 
GOLF CLUB is the section known to the Indians as Wanna- 
comet, meaning "a beautiful field." 



44 




'Sconset Beach 

Siasconset 

Regular connection with steamboats at Nantucket by motor bus. 

From Main Street Square, take Orange Street to the STATE ROAD, 
along which are the MILESTONES set out in 1824, thence direct SEVEN 
AND ONE-HALF MILES. Passes site of "NEWTOWN GATE" (index), 
Wyer's Valley PUMPING STATION (see Wannacomet Water Works, 
page 43), the Gibbs pond CRANBERRY BOG (Index), Road to TOM 
NEVER' S HEAD (page 49) and Siasconset GOLF CLUB. 

OR VIA POLPIS (page 54), and follow guide boards or Road Map TEN 
AND ONE-HALF MILES. Beyond Polpis this route passes SANKATY 
HEAD LIGHTHOUSE (page 50). 

OR BOAT TO WAUWINET (page 52), thence along shore, passing 
SQUAM HEAD, QUID NET (page 51), and SACACHA POND, thence 
along the bluff, passing SANKATY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE (page 50), 
to 'Sconset. FIVE AND ONE-HALF MILES. 

'SCONSET VILLAGE, formerly a quaint FISHING HAM- 
LET, dating back to the vear 1680, is situated at the eastern 
end of Nantucket island, FURTHER AT SEA than any of our 

Atlantic coast resorts. It is sepa- 
^ rated from the shores of Spain and 

^ Portugal, the NEAREST LAND ON 

THE EAST, by over 3,000 miles of 
open water. 

The ever-increasing popularity of 
'Sconset bespeaks its charm to 
lovers of the genuine seashore. 

The village, with its grass-grown 
streets and tiny fishermen's houses, 
fenced off in rectangular plots with 
narrow ways or lanes running be- 
tween, is BUILT ON THE EDGE 
OF A BLUFF, or " 'Sconset Bank," 
about 30 feet high. "Under the 
Bank" and stretching away to the 
ocean is a SANDY BEACH an 
eighth of a mile wide, where the 
'Sconset Way people gather in the forenoon to 

45 





Centre Street, \Sconset 

enjoy the fine SURF BATHING, free from the dreaded under- 
tow, or lounge about the sands, breathe the pure air, laden 
with the ocean's saltness, and watch the breakers as they dash 
upon the shore. 

In the village is a POSTOFFICE and a number of good stores, 
wlicre provisions of all kinds can be obtained. There are several 
HOTELS, a schoolhouse and a CHAPEL, where services are 
held bv all denominations in turn, including Roman Catholic. 

Of historic interest is the OLD TOWN PUMP, where for 
nearly a hundred years the villagers gathered to await their 
turn for the daily supply of water, a general meeting place and 
news distributing center. The well was dug in 1776. It lias 
been superseded by a MODERN WATER SYSTEM, built 
in 1904 which furnishes the purest of water derived from 
driven wells. In 1914 a MODERN SYSTEM OF SEWER- 
AGE DISPOSAL was installed. 

While there are many old houses in the village, one of the 
oldest, and most interesting, is the OLD GARDNER HOUSE 
on Broadway. It is now the property of the Nantucket His- 
torical Association, who purchased it to insure the preserva- 
tion of a typical 'Sconset 
dwelling. 

A well-equipped CAS- 
INO, TENNIS COURTS, 
and natural 18 hole 
GOLF COURSE, with 
the excellent and safe 
surf bathing, and a 
PAVILION where warm 
salt water baths can-, be 
had, suggest a few of the 
attractions. 

To SANKATY HEAD 

LIGHTHOUSE (page 

Old 'Sconset Pump and Shell Street 50) is a most delightful 

47 





'Sconset Casino 

walk. It is reached by a well worn FOOT PATH ALONG THE 
EDGE OF THE BLUFF, which, rising gradually from LOW 
BEACH, extends northward to Sankaty Head, l^/^ miles from 
the village, at which point it reaches an elevation of 92 feet, 
the HIGHEST POINT ON THE COAST of the island. A 
tramp of 234 miles over the moors, and among the hills west 
of Sankaty, ''brings one to the HIGHEST POINT ON THE 
ISLAND, where the summit of Saul's Hills reaches an eleva- 
tion of 102 feet above the level of the sea. 

In 1901, the FIRST COMMERCIAL WIRELESS TELE- 
GRAPH STATION IN AMERICA was located in 'Sconset, 
and stood directly south of the present station and on the 
opposite side of Main Street. It was moved to its present 
position in 1905, and more powerful apparatus installed. 
Communication can be had with the NANTUCKET SHOALS 
LIGHTSHIP, anchored about 50 miles southeast of the island, 
or with the OCEAN LINERS which pass at still greater dis- 




Broadway 'Sconset 
48 




Surf, at 'Sconset 

tance. On January 23, 1909, this station caught the distress 
signal "C-Q-D" sent out by the steamship "RepubHc," then 
in a sinking condition with several hundred passengers on 
board, who, but for the timely call for assistance sent out by 
this station, would haye gone down with the vessel. The 
collision took place 26 miles southwest of the lightship, or 
about 70 miles south of the island. 

Along the bluff and across Low Beach, on the southwest, 
13^ miles from 'Sconset, is 

Tom Never*s Head and Pond 

From Nantucket take State Road, as for 'Sconset (page 45), to the 
"Tom Never's" Road, which turns off just bevond the fifth milestone. 
SIX AND ONE-HALF MILES. 

Tom Never's Head is the SOUTHERNMOST POINT of 
Nantucket island, distant from the NEAREST LAND ON 
THE SOUTH, the West Indies, by about 1,500 miles. 

From the beach the HEADLAND, where the Tom Never's 
Lodge is located, rises to an elevation of 60 feet, the HIGHEST 
OF THE BLUFFS ALONG THE SOUTH SHORE, and affords 
an unobstructed view of the ocean and the surf as it breaks 
upon Low Beach and on toward 'Sconset. 

Fine and safe SURF BATHING, a broad, SANDY BEACH, 
and PURE DRINKING WATER insure amusement and the 
healthfulness of this section. 

In October, 1814, a NAVAL BATTLE took place jiist off 
shore. The American privateer "Prince de Neufchatel," with 
a crew of 33 men, was returning to port, having captured the 
ship "Douglas," when she was attacked by 111 men, in small 
boats, from the British frigate "Endymion." The British loss 
was iZ killed, 37 wounded and 30 taken prisoners; but one 
boat escaped. The American loss was 7 killed, including 

49 




Sankaty Head Lighthouse 

Charles J. Plilburn of Nantucket, pilot, and 15 wounded. The 
wounded British were landed at vSacacha, about half-way 
between Quidnet and Sankaty Head, and transported in carts 
to town, while the prize ship "Douglas" was beached and 
wrecked near Squam Head, about a mile north of Quidnet. 

Sankaty Head Lighthouse 

One and one-half miles north of 'SCONSET (page 45). Or, via POL- 
PIS (page 54), and follow guideboards or Road Map. NINE MILES \-ia 
either Polpis or 'Sconset. 

This LIGHTHOUSE, which stands on the eastern shore of 
the island, is FARTHER AT SEA than any of our Atlantic 
coast stations. It was BUILT in 1849 and stands on Sankatv 
Head, 92 feet in height, the HIGHEST POINT ON THE 




Sacacha Pond, Looking Toward Sankaty Head Lighthouse 
50 




Quidnet, Looking Toward Sankaty Head Lighthouse 

COAST of the island. The LIGHT, one of the finest on the 
coast, is 166 feet above the wat ^r and can be seen at a distance 
of 17 miles. It is FIXED WHITE for 50 seconds. VARIED 
BY A WHITE FLASH, of 99,000 CANDLE POWER, for 10 

seconds. The TOWER is white at the top and bottom, with 
a broad band of red around the middle. 



Quidnet 

Via POLPIS (page 5-t), and follow guideboards, or Road Map SEVEN 
AND ONE-HALF MILES. Ouidnet is distant about one and three- 
quarter miles from WAUWINET (page 52), or SANKATY HEAD LIGHT- 
HOUSE (opposite). Shore dinners can usually be arranged for. 



On the eastern shore of the island, in that quarter known to 
the Indians as SQUAM, just north of Sacacha pond and about 
half wav betweeti Wauwinet and Sankaty Head, is the former 
FISHING HAMLET of Quidnet, now a'dehghtful resort with 
a flourishing SUMMER COLONY. It is a favorite CAMPING 
PLACE, has a broad SANDY BEACH, and unsurpassed SURF 
BATHING. The POND is about a mile wide and affords 
excellent BOATING and PERCH FISHING. The last settle- 
ment of the Nantucket INDIANS was on the west bank of the 
pond, numerous arrow heads and stone implements having 
been found, while the hollowed boulders and traces of the 
foundations of their wigwams still remain. 

As early as 1682 Quidnet and Sacacha, the latter settlement 
standing just south of the narrow strip of beach which sepa- 
rates the pond from the ocean, were great CODFISHING STA- 
TIONS. The last building at Sacacha was inovedto 'Sconsct 
in 1820. 

Just north of Quidnet stands one of the BOAT HOUSES of 
the Massachusetts Humane Society and about a mile further 
along the beach is SQUAM HEAD. Great Round Shoal 
LIGHTSHIP is anchored about seven miles off shore. For 
aaval battle east of the island see Tom Never's Head (page 49). 

51 




Wauwinet and the "Haul-over" 

Wauwinet 

Reached BY BOATS which leave North or Steamboat Wharf at 9.30 
and 11.30 a. m., 2 and 4 p. m. Returning leave Wauwinet at the same 
hours. SIX MILES UP THE HARBOR. FARE 25 CENTS. Or via 
POLPIS (page 54), and follow guideboards or Road Map. NINE MILES. 
Bevond Polpis this route passes EAT FIRE SPRING (index). 

From 'SCONSET (page 45), follow path along the blufif, passing SAN- 
KATY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE (page 50), to SACACHA POND, thence 
along shore, passing QUID NET (page 51), and SQUAM HEAD to Wau- 
winet. FIVE AND ONE-HALF MILES. 



Wauwinet, named after the Indian sachem whose lands 
included this part of the island, is located at the HEAD OF 
THE HARBOR about an hour's sail from Nantucket. It is a 
most interesting and popular resort, ideally situated for the 
full enjoyment and benefit of the unadulterated seashore. 

Within a short distance 
of the landing, the HOTEL 
and cottages look out upon 
the HARBOR on one side 
and the OCEAN on the 
other, separated by a nar- 
row strip of beach called 
the "HAUL-OVER," be- 
cause the fishermen used 
to haul their boats 
across it. 

Five miles northward 
along the beach (passing at 
2]4 miles from Wauwinet, 
within half a mile of the 
COSKATA LIFE SAVING 
STATION) is GREAT 
POINT LIGHTHOUSE 
(page 53), while to the 
southward is SQUAM 
HEAD, distant one mile 





Great Point Lighthouse 

along the beach or by road. Great Round Shoal LIGHTSHIP 
bears northeast six and one-half miles. 

Waiiwinet offers both SURF AND STILL WATER BATH- 
ING, BOATING, FISHING, etc. SHORE DINNERS can 

be had at the Wauwinet House. 

During the easterly storm of December 15, 1896, an OPEN- 
ING was made by the surf cutting its way through the "Haul- 
over" into the harbor, of width and depth sufficient to allow 
the passage of vessels drawing from six to eight feet of water, 
the inlet remained open for twelve years gradually working 
its way northward, traversing the entire length of the "Haul- 
over," about one mile, until the rising ground of Coskata was 
reached. A photograph, taken by the writer, just before the 
opening was closed by the heavy surf, can be seen at the His- 
torical Association in Nantucket. 

Great Point Lighthouse 

BOAT TO "WAUWINET (page 52), cross the narrow beach called the 
"Haul-r.ver" to the ocean side, thence north along the beach, passing 
COSKATA POND and at two and one-half miles from Wauwinet, within 
half a mile of the COSKATA LIFESAVING STATION to GREAT POINT. 
Distance FIVE MILES. Requires about TWO HOURS time each wa^^ 

The first lighthouse on Great Point, a frame structure, was 
built in 1784, and stood until November, 1816, when it was 
destroyed by fire. In 1818 the PRESENT STONE TOWER 
was erected, and stands about one-fourth mile from the end of 
the point. 

The LIGHT is 70 feet above the water and is visible 11 miles. 
LIGHTSHIPS on Great Round Shoal, a little north of east, 
and Handkerchief Shoal, a little west of north, are distant about 
seven miles from the lighthouse. The light is FIXED WHITE, 

53 




The Polpis Road 

of 12,000 CANDLE POWER, with a RED SECTOR covering 
Cross Rip and Tuckcrnuck shoals. The TOWER is white. 

Polpis 

From Main Street Square, take Orange Street to State Road, and 
follow auideboards, orRoad Map, SIX MILES, passing site of "NEWTOWN 
GATE" (index), Wyer's Vallev PUMPING STATION (see Wannacomet 
Water Works, page 43), MONOMOY (index), "SHAWKEMO SPRING," 
(index), "MIRIAM COFFIN'S COUNTY SEAT," at QUAISE (index). 
Marker by roadside. 

At the head of Polpis Harbor, an arm of Nantucket Harbor, 
and on the road to Wauwinet, is the little FARMING SETTLE- 
MENT of Polpis, consisting of a few dwellings and a SCHOOL- 
HOUSE. Just across the road from the schoolhouse there 
stood for nearly 200 years one of the oldest houses on the 
island, built about 1700. 

In 1772, a FULLING AND COLORING MILL was erected 
here and the little stream which operated the mill has since 
been known as the FULLING MILL BROOK. 

Oysters are grown in the harbor. 



Maddaket 

Main Street, bv SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT (page 31) 
to Maddaket Road, SIX AND THREE-QUARTER MILES. Passes 
FRIENDS' BURYING GROUND (page 57) BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 
SPRING (oi)posite), and the Long Pond CRANBERRY BOG. Northern 
route erosses LONG POND at the "GUT BRIDGE," Southern route at 
"MASSASOIT BRIDGE." Consult Road Maps. vSee Lifesaving Sta- 
tions. 

This is the site of the MADDAKET LIFESAVING STA- 

54 





TION, built in 1891, and a few dwellings 
at the western end of the island, over- 
looking Hither CREEK and Maddaket 
HARBOR. It was here that EDWARD 
STARBUCK, THOMAS COLEMAN and 
THOMAS MACY built their hut and 
spent the winter of 1658-59. Thev 
came as REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
FIRST SETTLERS, to negotiate with 
the Indians regarding the purchase of 
their lands; also to look over the ground, 
decide upon a suitable landing place 
and determine the best location to erect 
their dwellings. 

SMITH POINT, the westernmost end 
of the island, extends about two miles 
west of the Lifesaving Station. A BOAT- 
HOUSE stands on the point a short dis- 
tance west of the station, to which it 
belongs. 

From "WARREN'S LANDING" at Maddaket to 
"BROOKS'S LANDING" at Tuckernuck (index) is about 
three miles. 

The fountain, or BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SPRING, on the 
Maddaket road was erected in 1900 and is inscribed as follows : 
"This tablet is erected by the Commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts in commemoration of Abiah Folger Franklin, daughter 
of Peter Folger, wife of Josiah Franklin, and mother of Ben- 
jamin Franklin. She was born August 15, 1667, in a house 
which stood 225 feet, north fifty-two degrees west, from this 
spot, and died in Boston in 1752. 

"This fountain is given to the town of Nantucket by the 
Abiah Folger Franklin Chapter, Daughters of the American 
Revolution." 



Franklin Fountain 



Cemeteries 



All (.'fnutcries, with the exception of the oldest one, are SHOWN UPON 
THE MAP of the town. 

The cemeteries are interesting, because of the QUAINT 
EPITAPHS and the bits of histor\^ inscribed upon the old moss- 
covcrcd stones. The OLDEST BURYING GROUND is on a 
hill near Maxcys pond, near the site of the first town, a short 
distance south of the standpipe of the Wannacomet Water 
Works (page 43), and two miles west of the town. The cemetery 
site is marked by a GRANITE MONUMENT inscribed as 
follows : 

"Erected A. D. 1881, by a descendant of the first settlers of 
Nantucket, in memory of those whose remains are buried on 
this hallowed spot, where stood the first church gathered here 

55 




in 1711, since removed to where it now stands as the vestry of 
the First Congregational Society. 

1609— Tristram Coffin —1681 

1598— Thomas Macv —1682 

1604— Edward Starbuck —1690 

1617— Peter Folger —1690 

1624— John Gardner —1706 

1664— John Swain, Jr. —1738 

1644 — John Coleman — 1715 

1626— Richard Gardner —1688 
1598— Christopher Hussev— 1686 

1 640— William Bunker — 1 7 1 2 

"Many of the descendants of these worthy sires have been 
distinguished for their courage and energy, and left a record 
for others to emulate." 

Another stone standing about 30 feet to the eastward bears 
the following: 

"Here lyes buried 

ye body of 

John Gardner 

Esq. aged 82 

who died May 1706" 

This stone, erected in 1881, REPLACES THE OLD ONE 

removed to the "Oldest House" for preservation, which marked 
the spot for 175 years. 

CAPT. JOHN 'GARDNER, was one of the great men of his 
time. Invited to settle on the island "to set up the trade of 
fishing for the taking of codfish," he left his home in Salem, 
Massachusetts, in 1672, and moved to Nantucket. He was 
a man of much influence among the Indians, and in 1680 was 
appointed CHIEF MAGISTRATE, the highest office that a 
Nantucketer could hold. 

The last burial in this old cemetery took place in 1773. 

The NEXT OLDEST CEMETERY is the Old North or 
Gardner's Burying Ground, on the northwest corner of New 
and Grove Lanes, dating back to 1709. Near the entrance is 
the stone in memory of 

Robert Ratliff , Born at New Castle upon Tyne, England, Feb. 25, 
1794, Died at Nantucket, Feb. 20, 1882, aged 88 

"He was a seaman on board the ship Northumberland 84 
guns under command of Sir George Cockburn that conveyed 
Napoleon Bonaparte to St. Helena in 1815. And received 
marked notice from the Great Emperor. He was also a sea- 
man in the Albion 74 in the attack on the city of Washington 
1814. 

"In 1820 he was shipwrecked on the island of Nantucket 
where he resided the remainder of his life. He was well known 
as a successful master rigger for 50 years. Honored for his 

56 




integrity, respected for his uni- 
form courtesy and beloved for 
his kindness and generosity." 

Within a short distance are 
TWO OTHER STONES mark- 
ing the graves of shipwrecked 
seamen, dated 1771. 

The FRIENDS' BURYING 
GROUND, on the corner of 
Entrance Prospect Hill Cemetery y^^^^ ^^^ Saratoga Streets, con- 
tains more than 5,000 graves, where lie the remains of the 
ANCESTORS of nearly every Nantucketer. 

The cemeteries, with the exception of the oldest one, are 
marked upon the map of the town, viz.. Old North, North, 
Friends', Prospect Hill, Catholic, Colored, and New Town or 
South . 

At the Historical Association rooms will be found a CARD 
CATALOGUE of every legible inscription found upon the old 
gravestones. 



Books Relating to Nantucket 

Title. Author. 

Miriam Coffin James C. Hart 

Trustum and His Grandchildren Harriet Worron 

There She Blows William Hussey Macy 

History of Nantucket Obed Macy 

History of the American Whale Fishery. . . .Alexander Starbuck 

Nantucket Scraps Jane C. Austin 

'Sconset Cottage Life A. Judd Northrup 

Quaint Nantucket William Root Bliss 

An Island Plant Mary Catharine Lee 

Wrecks Around Nantucket Arthur H. Gardner 

Plants of Nantucket Maria L. Owen 

Views of Nantucket J. _H. Robinson 

Publications of the Nantucket Historical Association. 



57 



SEA CLIFF INN 

NANTUCKET 

NANTUCKET ISLAND, MASS. 



GOOD hotel accommodation is essential to an enjoyable 
visit to any place, and the visitor to Nantucket is fortunate in 
this respect, for here is to be found one of the best of New Eng- 
land's seaside hotels, having many original and distinctive 
features which make it widely different from the regular hotels 
found in most resorts. It provides a perfectly comfortable place 
to live for a long or short time. 

Attractive in its surroundings, complete but modest in its ap- 
pointments, having that air of refinement essential to the com- 
fort of cultivated people. Every effort is made to have the place 
as nearly like a home as a public house can well be made, and 
in carrying out this idea conventional hotel features which are 
not essential to a proper service are eliminated. 



ISLAND SERVICE COMPANY 

INCORPORATED 




Topi Nevers Head 



S C0PYRICHT,1907.BV J H ROBINSON 



COAL WOOD 

LUMBER GASOLINE 

ICE OILS 

BUILDERS' SUPPLIES— DOCKING FACILITIES 

OLD SOUTH WHARF TELEPHONE CONNECTION 



5cS 



Anthony W. Ayers Company 

REAL ESTATE 

ESTABLISHED 1900 

FOR SALE 

Shore Front Estates completely and elaborately furnished. 
Summer Cottages fully furnished, all modern conveniences. 
Shore Front Lots on the Beach in best neighborhoods. 
Improved Property on the Cliff, unobstructed views. 
Old Nantucket Houses in the Town, furnished and unfurnished. 
Farms and suburban land in all parts of the Island. 

FOR RENT 

Gentlemen's Estates on water front, fully furnished. 
Water Front Cottages, one, two, and three baths, electric lights. 
Cottages on the Cliff, unobstructed view of water, conveniences. 
Renovated old Nantucket Houses in the Town, fully furnished. 

At MONOMOY — across the harbor from Nantucket — fully fur- 
nished Cottages, with modem conveniences. 



For Everything For Sale or For Rent at Nantucket, consult 
ANTF-IONY W. AYERS COMPANY, 14 Pearl Street 



TELEPHONE CONNECTION 




TOM NEVER'S LODGE 

Tom Never's Lodge is located on Tom Never's Head, Nantucket, sixty feet 
above sea level, ha? 2200 square feet of fiazzas, sun parlor, electric lights, 
b=itlis, running hot and cold water in every room. Surf bathing, tennis and 
croquet grounds, music and summer entertainments for the pleasure of our 
guests. 

NANTUCKET LAND TRUST, O.vners 
50 CONGRESS ST., BOSTON, MASS. 

RATSS REASONABLE TELEPHONE CONNECTION 



59 



OCEAN HOUSE 



LODGE AND 
COTTAGES 

I The Ocean House, directly up Broad Street from Steamboat wharf, offers 

I every facility for the comfort and convenience of patrons. Situated on corner 

I of two wide streets, on high ground, surrounded by fine shade trees, within 

J a few minutes walk of steamboat landing, post office, business streets and all 

I points of interest, its location is unsurpassed. Rooms en suite, with or with- 

J out bath: also several suites with private piazzas. Latest style of sanitary 

I plumbing. Gas and electric lights, steam heat; open fire-places; large sun 

J parlor and dance hall; orchestra; tennis court, free to guests. 

i The Ocean House for years has been noted for excellence of table, courteous 

I treatment and personal attention to comfort and pleasure of all guests. 

I For Booklets and Rales Address 

I W. D. CARPENTER, Proprietor, NANTUCKET, MASS. 




PITMAN HOUSE 



ESTABLISHED 18S5 

CENTRE STREET 
NANTUCKET 

MASS. 

TELEPHONE CONNECTION 



WRITE 

FOR 

CIRCULARS 



HAYDENS' 

HOT SEA WATER BATHS 

BENEFICIAL TO THOSE SUFFERING FROM 

[nsomnia, Indigestion, Nervousness, Rheumatism, Etc. 

Strictly sanitary in every way 

BEACH STREET NEAR STEAMBO.AT WH.^RF 

also 

OCEAN B.\THING AT THE CLIFF BEACH 



ALBERT G. BROCK 
FIRE, LIFE AND CASUALTY 

INSURANCE 

PACIFIC BANK BUILDING 

MAIN STREET, NANTUCKET, MASS. 

TELEPHONE CONNECTION 



60 



WAUWINET HOUSE 



I 
I 

WAUWINET, NANTUCKET ISLAND, MASS. I 

JAMES A. BACKUS, Proprietor \ 

OPEN FROM JUNE 15 TO SEPTEMBER 15 \ 

SHORE DINNERS BROILED LOBSTER A ! 

SERVED DAILY SPECIALTY { 

TELEPHONE CONNECTION | 

I 



R. E. CONGDON 

DEALER IN 

DRUGS, MEDIGINES, GHEMIGALS J 
PRESCRIPTIONS ^TorsT .^T^fS.o^^ '^^ 

PERFUMERY, FINE STATIONERY, CHOICE CON- 
FECTIONS, FANCY GOODS, TOILET ARTICLES, ETC. 

MAIN STREET, NANTUCKET, MASS. 



CENTRAL MARKET 

R. E. BURGESS & SONS 

MAIN ST., NANTUCKET, MASS. 

ESTABLISHED 186.S 

DEALERS IN MEATS AND PROVISIONS 
BRANCH STORE IN SIASCONSET 

TELEPHONE CONNECTION 



BROWN & CO. 

HARDWARE 

TINWARE, AGRICULTURAL 
IMPLEMENTS, ETC. 

[ MAIN STREET, NANTUCKET, MASS. 

TELEPHONE CONNECTION 



61 



JOHN K. AYERS 

SANITARY PLUMBING 

STEAM, GAS AND 
HOT WATER FITTING 

MAIN STREET, - NANTUCKET, MASS. 

TELEPHONE CONNECTION 
I „ . . 

T. C PITMAN 
CARPENTER, BUILDER 
AND GENERAL JOBBER 

ESTABLISHED 1885 

Furniture Crated at Reasonable Rates 

Storage Privileges for Rent 

Office, 46 Centre St. Shop, Cor. South Water and Oak Sts. 

TELEPHONE CONNECTION 



WILLIAM H. WYER 
LIVERY, BOARD, SALE 

AND 

SADDLE STABLES 

NORTH CENTRE STREET, NANTUCKET, MASS. 

TELEPHONE CONNECTION 



THE CORNER STORE 

JOHN F. ROBERTS, Prop. 

CHOICE FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC 

GROCERIES 

FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND TABLE SUPPLIES 
1 OUR MOTTO QUALITY FIRST 

I FAIR PRICES PROMPT SERVICE 

I Corner Main and Centre Streets Telephone Connection 



62 



I N. E, LOWELL 

i CONTRACTOR and MASON 

I FIREPLACE CONSTRUCTION 



I 

RUBBLE-STONE, CEMENT BLOCK i 
AND PLASTERING \ 

133 MAIN STREET, NANTUCKET, MASS. ! 

TELEPHONE COMNECTION I 



AYERS LIVERY STABLE 

HORSES, CARRIAGES, AND HACKS 
SINGLE OR DOUBLE TEAMS 

SIGHTSEEING CARRIAGES WITH DRIVERS 
TO ALL PARTS OF THE ISLAND 

LAWRENCE AYERS, Proprietor Telephone Connection- 



H. PADDACK & COMPANY 

The Oldest Paint Shop under one name in Alassachusetts 

PAINTERS 

GLAZIERS AND PAPER HANGERS 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IN 

PAINTS, OILS, VARNISHES AND WALL PAPERS 

Main Street, Nantucket, Mass. Telephone Connection 



Nantucket Fish Company 

FRESH and salt FISH 

FISHING TACKLE, ICE CREAM SALT 

PROMPT SERVICE 

MAIN STREET, - NANTUCKET, MASS. 

TELEPHONE CONNECTION 

I . , ... 

63 



CITIZENS ' E. A. LAWRENCE 62 CO. 
GAS, ELECTRIC AND dealers in 

POWER CO. DRY AND FANCY 


AT YOUR SERVICE ' KrUUU^i 


■n,- , , ,• „f Ladies rurnishines, Etc. 

v\ e carry a complete line of >-i^ >-vj t, , 
GAS AND ELECTRICAL ' Agent for the Sale of 

MERCHANDISE = BUTTERICK PATTERNS 
of standard makes : , AND PUBLICATIONS 
TELEPHONE CONNECTION \ Boston Stofc Main Street 


'" i 

C. E. COLLINS & CO. ] | NANTUCKET DOMESTIC 

DEALERS IN \ " BAKERY 
BOOTS, SHOES " " Thomas B. Sickerstaff. prop. 

Fresh goods. Prompt de- 
A.\ D liveries, Homemade Bread, 
^ - _ ^ Pies, Doughnuts, Cakes, etc. 
]X^U JjJ3 L^IXO - A specialty made of cater- 
ing both to large and small 


MAIN STREET ^ ^ower Pearl St., Nantucket, Mass. 
NANTUCKET, MASS, ] Telephone Connection 




' "°k^,^L''Ks"°- ' " C. W. ELLIS : 

s . ^ ^ i No. 3, South Water St. • 
CONTRACTORS ^ Nantucket, Mass. 


BUILDING MOVERS - ! 
JOBBING ; GO TO ELLIS 

Done in a Workman- ' FOR 

like Manner | FIRST CLASS 

: Nr;;Tuc;s;."^" ^Iss. ! shoe repairing 




64 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 076 508 9 



